Washington State governor Chris Gregoire announced Thursday that a deal has been reached to end a strike by teachers in the state.
Both sides said at a news conference late Wednesday that they were pleased with the deal. Teachers will have an opportunity to vote on the plan Thursday in hopes of restarting classes Friday. The announcement came after more than seven hours of talks at the office of Ms. Gregoire.
“As we’ve said all along, the Tacoma teachers will decide for themselves if it’s a fair contract and whether they’ll ratify it,” said Rich Wood, spokesman for the teachers’ union, “just like they decided whether or not to go on strike and whether or not to start school in the first place. But the fact that there is a tentative agreement is a good thing.”
Ms. Gregoire, a Democrat, said the deal represented a victory for both the state and the union.
“I’m pleased that a tentative agreement was reached tonight and that kids will be back in school on Friday,” Ms. Gregoire said in a statement.
“This agreement provides a long-term solution, meets the districts needs and ensures teachers remain proud to report to their classroom every day. Teachers will take a ratification vote tomorrow. I now urge everyone to continue to work together, continue to provide students with the quality learning opportunities they deserve, and support our schools and personnel,” the Washington state Democrat added.
The strike follows a series of controversial collective bargaining measures passed by state governors across the country. Earlier this year, Wisconsin governor Scott Walker signed into law a controversial collective bargaining law, which eventually resulted in a number of recall elections in the state.
