In 2017, American workers went on strike or engaged in a job action seven times. In 2018, we went on strike or a job action no less than 20 times, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released this spring. Our national not-going-to-take-it-anymore activism kicked off with the powerful, statewide West Virginia educators’ strike work stoppage and eventually involved 485,000 workers hitting the streets across the nation, the highest number in more than 30 years.
To paraphrase the great Helen Reddy, I am worker, hear me roar!
This year, we promise more of the same. In fact, until American legislators take seriously their responsibility to support public school students and classrooms, we’re all going to be like my colleague on Page 23 of this magazine. Yes, I’m talking about the photo of the educator holding the giant “last straw” sign.
Already this year, educators in Los Angeles, Denver, and Oakland have embraced the national #RedForEd movement and taken to the sidewalks to demand the schools their students deserve.
In Los Angeles, the weeklong strike by United Teachers of Los Angeles members ended with an agreement to cap class sizes, hire more school nurses and librarians, and reduce the number of standardized tests by half. Aren’t these things that all parents want for their children?
And let’s be real: Educators also want to be paid a fair wage.
A few months ago, a Washington Post report revealed a “dramatic reversal” in educator salaries. Actually, for teachers, it wasn’t a dramatic reveal. We’ve known for years we can’t afford the organic apples! But here is the proof—in the early 1990s, educators in 26 states earned more than the average worker, the Post found. In 2017, public school educators in every state, except in Rhode Island, now earn less than the average worker.
“Why aren’t schools paying teachers? Because their budgets are being squeezed at every level,” writes the Post’s economics analyst.
And why are their budgets being squeezed? Because state lawmakers are giving the money away!
This is simple math: If you give away $1.8 billion, you won’t have that $1.8 billion to spend on public education. And yet, that’s how much money 26 states gave away last year in corporate subsidies. In Hillsboro, Ore., the school district lost $96.7 million, thanks to tax breaks enjoyed by Intel and other corporations.
Does that make you mad? Because it makes me mad.
In fact, it makes me see #RedForEd.
