The Minneapolis Federation of Educators will vote Oct. 23-27 whether to authorize a strike against Minneapolis Public Schools after a tentative agreement was not reached in mediation Tuesday night.
Families and educators have called on the district to invest in smaller class sizes and better student support to address the real challenges in MPS. In addition, MFE has also drafted proposals addressing pay disparity for adult educators and better wages for educational support professionals.
“We came into mediation hopeful and ready to settle our contracts. But after a 15-hour mediation session and publicly expressing a willingness to settle, the district offered no meaningful solutions to the problems facing students, families, and educators,” said Marcia Howard, president of MFE’s teacher chapter. “While the district’s response was disappointing, we remain committed to reaching an agreement.”
“We’re not asking for the sun and the moon,” said Catina Taylor, president of MFE’s ESP chapter. “Budgets reflect your values. MPS spends millions more than other districts on outside contracts and training new staff because of high turnover, and has more money than necessary in its rainy day fund. It’s time to spend the money we have where it matters most.”
The union and district are negotiating three different contracts for teachers, educational support professionals, and adult educators in MPS.
MFE’s top priorities in contract negotiations include:
Reasonable class sizes. Enforceable class size limits so every student receives more individualized attention and support.
Enhanced special education staffing. Contractual caseload caps to ensure students receive the services and care they need and deserve, as well as additional social workers and counselors at schools with 500+ students.
Better wages, more respect for ESPs. Wage increases and steady hours to keep these trusted, yet sorely underpaid, educators in MPS for our students.
Pay parity for adult educators. Salary raises so those who help parents, immigrants, and lifelong learners build brighter futures are on par with other licensed teachers in MPS.
Competitive compensation for licensed educators. Fair pay for MPS teachers and licensed staff, whose earnings lag behind their peers in similar districts.
Negotiations began in April. Since then, MFE has made 35 proposals across nine public sessions. MFE filed for mediation in August; Thursday marked the seventh mediation session. The next session is scheduled for Oct. 30.
A strike authorization vote does not guarantee a strike, but if approved, MFE must give MPS at least 10 days notice before any strike begins.
Minneapolis educators went on strike for nearly three weeks in March 2022. Teachers in St. Paul negotiated a contract in August, that was the first in nearly 20 years to be settled without mediation and ahead of the new school year.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here