Today teachers in Camas launched their first strike in the history of their school district. Workers began picketing 9 sites and 15 buildings on what was supposed to be the first day of school. After The district held back on initiating bargaining till summer vacation, despite negotiations having been scheduled to begin in the spring.
Though this is their first strike, the teachers in Camas Washington are setting a good example for workers everywhere. Negotiations had been occurring through the weekend, with the district late Saturday conceding to over 30 demands of the workers, leaving a few of the most important demands unaddressed. After the district walked away Sunday from negotiations, workers organized to begin their strike in less than 24hrs, showing the district whose labor truly earns them the $15 million currently banked but not distributed to those who earn it, or towards the material needs of the students.
Workers at C-TRAN and the local Fire Department are some of the many workers who have answered the need for solidarity across sectors, along with workers from the Class Struggle Action Network who made it to the picket lines today.
The Picket locations, rallies and other shows of strength by the workers will be changing potentially daily, with many of the pickets likely to occur between 9am-3pm. If wanting to take solidarity action more information can be found @ weteachcamas.org or the Camas Education Association Facebook page
