HomeMy WebLinkAboutWest Virginia teachers to end strike Thursday - Metro - 02/27/2018 - Metro - 02/27/20182/28/2018
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The Latest: West Virginia teachers to end strike Thursday
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By: Staff The Associated Press, Published on Tue (Feb 27 2018
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Latest on a statewide walkout by teachers in West Virginia over
pay and benefits (all times local):
6:30 p.m.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice says striking teachers will return to the classroom on Thursday,
and he's offering teachers and school service personnel a 5 per cent pay raise in the first year.
Justice made the announcement at a news conference Tuesday after emerging from a meeting
with union leaders for teachers in all 55 counties.
Justice had signed across-the-board teacher pay raises of $808 next year and $404 the following
two years. But teachers had said the increases weren't enough, especially as health care costs
rise. The state's average teacher pay ranks among the lowest in the nation.
Chief of Staff Mike Hall says the latest pay raise proposal is based on revised revenue estimates
of $58 million based on economic forecasts. The pay increases would have to be approved by
the Legislature.
Teachers began their walkout on Thursday, their first statewide strike since 1990.
The teachers are represented by the American Federation of Teachers and the West Virginia
Education Association. Also are strike are members of the West Virginia School Service
Personnel Association, which includes support staff.
11 a.m.
West Virginia's teachers striking for the fourth day over low pay and rising insurance costs say
state legislators are failing to learn their history and civics lessons, which may have to be driven
home at the ballot box in November.
All 100 seats in the House and half of the 34 Senate seats are on the ballot. Both chambers are
controlled by majority Republicans.
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2/28/2018
The Latest: West Virginia teachers to end strike Thursday
Teachers say they're paying close attention to specific actions by each legislator, regardless of
party, and will vote accordingly. They say it's a lesson with consequences for state's children,
already facing more than 700 classrooms staffed by uncertified substitutes.
As educated professionals, ranking 48th in pay among states, they say they've already been
squeezed financially despite past unmet promises from politicians.
http://www. metronews.ca/news/world/201 8/02/27/the-latest-west-virginia-teachers-to-end-strike-th ursday. print. html 2/2