Albany Teachers Strike Possible Tuesday

ALBANY, Ore.–Hundreds of teachers, community members and other supporters came out to the greater Albany Education Association’s rally before the union strike deadline of November 12th. After nine months of bargaining, 92% of nearly 500 union members voted in favor of a strike.  If it happens Tuesday, it will be the first teacher strike in Albany since 1987.

Union President Dana Lovejoy has been in the district for 19 years.  She says Albany teacher’s salaries are the lowest among 35 comparable Oregon districts, ffecting recruitment, retention and classroom safety.

The district says it’s disappointed about a possible strike and that it would not be able to meet the pay increases, class size limits and staff retention strategies that the union’s asking for.  The union counters, pointing to the district’s $15 million surplus.