OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS RADIO) – Oakland teachers went on strike on Friday over a reversal by the Oakland Unified School District on its decision months ago to make plans to close and merge several schools off the table.
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The School Board last week voted to reverse itself, meaning campus closures are once again a possibility.
Friday's action by teachers is a 'wildcat' strike – one that is not sanctioned by the union.
A spokesperson for Oakland teachers has said they're opposed to mergers and job cuts the district has told them are necessary in order to provide them with a raise.
Not all the teachers were on strike on Friday, and not a lot of students or families were present either. At the Life Academy and United For Success campus on 35th Ave. near Salisbury St., teachers on roller skates held up signs.
Their message is that they deserve higher salaries. Oakland Unified pays less than neighboring districts, which means more experienced teachers often go elsewhere.
But there are other issues at stake here as well.
"We're negotiating reparations for black students," said Sam Solomon, a teacher, and librarian. "We're negotiating space and facilities, there's so much on the table besides teacher pay that’s all common good proposals."
The district opened negotiations with a proposal of about a 4% salary increase. The teacher's union wants a 23% salary hike. Last week, the district came back with raises of 8 to 11%.
Friday's strike was an effort to drum up support and inform the public on the status of the negotiations.
Not every school is participating and schools are still in operation.
OUSD responded to the strike in an emailed statement provided to KCBS Radio on Friday: "Some members of the Oakland Education Association (OEA) decided to hold a one-day strike on Friday, March 24 at a number of middle and high schools across Oakland Unified School District. The Oakland Education Association (OEA) stated, in writing, that this strike was not sanctioned by OEA. The District kept all schools open, and students were encouraged to attend classes. Unfortunately, the action did keep some students out of school, and adversely impacted student access to instruction at some schools. The District will continue to negotiate in good faith with OEA."
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