Members of the Saint Paul Federation of Educators voted to strike on February 20, 2020 after bargaining with Saint Paul Public Schools since the spring of 2019. SPFE members are fighting for mental health supports for students, more multilingual staff, and manageable special education workloads. The support from local and national allies has been incredible.
If your union or organization is interested in submitting a statement of support for educators in St. Paul who voted to strike, send an email to activism@spfe28.org. To tweet your support, tag @spfe28 and use #WeAreSPFE.
Statements from Local Allies
“The Minnesota Nurses Association urges the St. Paul Public Schools to respect their frontline educators and create a learning environment that truly serves the purpose of our public education system, to be the great equalizer for all students as they pursue their dreams.” — Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA)
“Ensuring all students, regardless of mental health, language, special education, and other needs are met is a cause that is worth fighting for and we will stand with you.” — Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
“As organizers, we know some of the most important questions we ask are ‘what do you and your students need?’ and ‘what are you willing to do for it?’ Authorizing a strike is the ultimate commitment to doing whatever is necessary to have the schools our students deserve.” — Minnesota State College Faculty
“You face many of the same pressures we face as transit workers. Schools, like public transit, are embedded in the community, so all the good and the bad that come with the community are a part oft the schools. What we mean by that is, we are living in the richest society in the history of the world and our communities are hurting… This is not sustainable and your strike is the rally call to say enough is enough!” — Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1005
Statements from National Partners
“In February 2019, OEA members went on a seven day strike to fight for a living wage, reduced class sizes, more support staff and an end to school closures. Our strike demanded a response to austerity measures and financial mismanagement that have reduced student services and have led to a teacher retention crisis in Oakland. The fight for the schools our students deserve now continues in St. Paul.” — Oakland Education Association
