Schools primed for ‘militant teacher strikes’ over post-COVID pay, benefits and respect, w/Prof. Shelton

In January, Minneapolis Public Schools students stayed home for two weeks as the omicron COVID-19 variant surged and schools shuttered. This month, schools have closed for another two weeks — and counting — because of a teacher strike.

With no deal reached over the weekend, classes will remain canceled Monday, the district said. Minneapolis teachers have been picketing for better pay and benefits, smaller classes and more student mental health services. They’re not alone. From Minnesota to Illinois to California, teachers unions are actively on strike or preparing to have members walk off the job over many of the same demands.

“I think you are going to see more militant teacher strikes over the next couple of years,” said Jon Shelton, a University of Wisconsin-Green Bay professor who studies teachers unions.

Source: Schools primed for ‘militant teacher strikes’ over post-COVID pay, benefits and respect