Does PTA have a position on work stoppages and strikes? Are there
guidelines for local PTAs? Yes and Yes!
WSPTA position: Washington State PTA will not support work stoppages and/or strikes
which interrupt or disrupt the educational day. National PTA also has a position statement on “Teacher Negotiations, Sanctions
and Strikes” which provides guidance for local PTAs.
Please read below for additional information and texts of both position
statements.
Our regions, councils and local PTAs in many areas of the state
are being impacted this week and possibly in the coming weeks by work
stoppages, and/or strikes in many of our school districts. This can be a
difficult and stressful time for all. Remain PTA mission focused to support
what is best for all kids by providing resources from your
community on activities and social services for children and families.
Strive to create the safest path with the lowest impact on children.
In order to ensure that guidance is provided to local PTAs and
councils, the following applies: WSPTA has a resolution regarding Uninterrupted
Operation of Public Schools and the National PTA position statement on Teacher
Negotiations, Sanctions and Strikes. Both are listed below and may assist our
regions, councils and local PTAs with information on how to respond to strikes.
The Washington State PTA Resolution as passed by its membership:
UNINTERRUPTED OPERATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS 18.6, Resolution passed
1986; revised 2006
Whereas, the Washington State PTA has a purpose “To develop
between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for
all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social,
spiritual education”, and
Whereas, Quality Education is a high priority issue for the
Washington State PTA, and
Whereas, Washington State citizens have historically valued the
reliable delivery of vital services and the orderly management of public
institutions including fire and police services and public schools, and
Whereas, the Washington State PTA also holds that a disruption to the
educational system in the form of work stoppages and strikes is detrimental to
the best interests of the children and families affected by those actions, and
Whereas, the Washington State PTA believes that a disruption to
the educational system in the form of work stoppages and/or strikes is often
detrimental to the best interest of the children and families affected by those
actions. While acknowledging that more state resources must be committed to the
educational process in the State of Washington, including higher salaries for
educational employees. Therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Washington State PTA shall work to produce
conditions with regard to the collective bargaining process which will
consistently produce, in a timely manner, labor agreements negotiated and fully
embraced by the direct parties thereto and which will not cause disruption to
the school calendar; and be it further
Resolved, that the Washington State PTA will not support work
stoppages and/or strikes which interrupt or disrupt the educational day.
That said, here are some guidelines from National PTA and WSPTA:
These are suggested measures for
action organized appropriately during the strike, and after the strike. These
guidelines, plus counsel from the state PTA and the basic good judgment of the
people, should enable the council and the local PTAs to minimize the dilemmas
and to contribute constructively to community understanding, teacher
satisfactions, renewal of cordial parent-teacher dialogue, and improved
educational climate for children.
From National PTA’s position statement on “Teacher Negotiations,
Sanctions and Strikes”:
During the Strike
- Urge
immediate and continuous negotiations and if necessary mediation to get
schools open as soon as possible. If negotiation is delayed, the PTA
should seek to bring the school board representatives and teachers'
organization representatives together.
- PTA
should not man the classrooms, except possibly for a day in the absence of
advance notice of a strike. Not only is manning of classrooms inconsistent
with PTA efforts to obtain a qualified teacher in every classroom, but
personal liability may be incurred. If the school administration intends
to keep the schools open during a teacher walkout, it should develop a
corps of volunteers outside the PTA structure.
- Suggest
and urge appropriate action by parents, community agencies, and volunteer
groups that will protect children during the period the school is closed.
- Encourage
the full and continuous participation of teacher members in PTA
activities.
After the Strike
- Plan
activities that will restore harmony, promote teacher morale, and renew
parent-teacher dialogue.
- Through
informed public opinion see that the negotiated agreements, which settled
the strike, are faithfully implemented.
- Work
for community understanding and support of school needs.
