Focus

Teacher strike closes public schools in US' Portland

02 Nov 2023 05:36pm
Photo for illustrative purposes - FILE PIX
Photo for illustrative purposes - FILE PIX
A
A
A

SAN FRANCISCO - Portland Public Schools teachers on Wednesday launched a strike that has shuttered all of its 81 schools in the largest city of the US state of Oregon, reported Xinhua.

The strike, the first in school district history, comes after a 10-month stalemate between district and union leaders as they were unable to agree on even basic budget realities.

Rallies broke out at most Portland Public Schools campuses starting early Wednesday. The two sides will not meet to negotiate until Friday, which means schools will also close on Thursday.

Union leaders say teachers need large raises to keep pace with inflation, class size limits to allow them to meet students' academic and emotional needs, and more planning time to adjust instruction to widely varying achievement levels, according to a report by the Oregonian.

Portland Public Schools is contending with enrolment declines driven by low birth rates and high housing prices, the report said.

Oregon State Governor Tina Kotek called for the two sides to remain at the bargaining table and continue to negotiate, instead of striking. - BERNAMA

Related Articles:
Teacher Strike
Public Schools
US
Closure
More Like This
Counter protesters attack pro-Palestinian protesters at a pro-Palestinian encampment set up on the campus of the UCLA as clashes erupt, in Los Angeles. Photo by AFP
Counter protesters attack pro-Palestinian protesters at a pro-Palestinian encampment set up on the campus of the UCLA as clashes erupt, in Los Angeles. Photo by AFP
World Unrest at UCLA: What we know
Video footage shows the camp under siege from dozens of masked and hooded people who appear to be trying to break down barricades.
(Photo by David Goldman/AP)
(Photo by David Goldman/AP)
World United Methodist Church lifts ban on gay clergy, same-sex marriage
Church leadership, at a conference held in North Carolina, approved the moves in a 692-51 vote.
People hold Palestinian flags during the yearly protest marking International Labour Day, also known as Workers Day or May Day, in Paris on May 1, 2024. (Photo by OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT / AFP)
People hold Palestinian flags during the yearly protest marking International Labour Day, also known as Workers Day or May Day, in Paris on May 1, 2024. (Photo by OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT / AFP)
World Thousands protest over salaries, Gaza at France May Day marches
The march in the capital set off early afternoon in a festive atmosphere, but law enforcement fired tear gas an hour later to deal with what a police source called a minority of "radical elements".
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (C) walks with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant (C-L behind) and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag (R) at the Kerem Shalom border crossing with the Gaza Strip on May 1, 2024. (Photo by Evelyn Hockstein / AFP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (C) walks with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant (C-L behind) and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag (R) at the Kerem Shalom border crossing with the Gaza Strip on May 1, 2024. (Photo by Evelyn Hockstein / AFP)
World Blinken visits Gaza border crossing to check aid delivery
He told Israel to do more to ensure the quick passage of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of impending famine.