Portland teachers strike: Leaders cautiously optimistic, workload and salary among key unresolved issues
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| Grant High School teachers gathered their belongings ahead of the long holiday weekend in case the union goes on strike late next week. Portland Public Schools and union leaders will meet on Sunday to try and get a deal to avert the walkout. (Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian) |
Leaders from Portland Public Schools say new concessions by the labor organization have them cautiously optimistic about avoiding a strike set for Feb. 20, but disagreements remain – particularly over what a new contract should say about class sizes and salaries.
Union leaders presented district negotiators with a new offer Thursday, and people on both sides say the tone of the conversation has changed for the better.
The district’s team will present a response to the Portland Association of Teachers proposal on Sunday. Both sides are also already preparing to potentially meet again Monday, when a state mediator is next available.
Teachers are scheduled to begin a strike Thursday morning, and district administrators have already told parents that if they do, schools will be closed Thursday, Friday and Monday, Feb. 24 so they can train substitute teachers and support staff.
PPS leaders plan to reopen schools starting Feb. 25, with an emphasis on elementary and middle schools first. They’ve been recruiting substitutes from other districts and encouraging PPS subs to cross the picket line.
While Superintendent Carole Smith and union president Gwen Sullivan have been
