90 percent of Capistrano teachers on strike
Monday, April 26, 2010
The strike by Capistrano Unified teachers entered its fifth day on Monday, with 90 percent of teachers out of the classroom. (KABC Photo)
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (KABC) -- The strike by teachers in the Capistrano Unified School District entered its fifth day on Monday, with 90 percent of teachers out of the classroom.
Some 2,000 teachers walked off the job on Friday over a district proposal to impose a permanent 10 percent pay cut to help close its $34 million budget shortfall.Talks between the Capistrano Unified Education Association (CUEA) and the board of education continued through the weekend without being resolved.
Teachers want the district to make the cuts temporary and to restore salaries, unpaid workdays and other benefits if the district's financial situation improves.
What was supposed to be a one-day walkout turned into a strike with the breakdown of negotiations over the imposed pay cut. Teachers complained the board has been a roadblock to reaching an agreement, with "shifting parameters and lack of consistent direction."
"Our team has gone as far as we can," said CUEA Bargaining Chair Sally White. "Now it's up to at least four board members to do the right thing for students, teachers and this community and end this strike."
The CUEA called a membership meeting and rally for 3 p.m. at Saddleback