At least they’re talking.
The union for 5,000 striking Seattle teachers said late Friday that negotiations with the district, Seattle Public Schools, would resume Saturday.
According to the Seattle Education Association website, the decision to meet was prompted by productive talks with mediators.
The strike began Wednesday on what was supposed to be the district’s first day of school. Although it’s kept more than 52,000 students out of school, the strike has received strong support from some parents.
Given the school closures, both sides are eager to reach an agreement. The SEA wants fairer contracts for the teachers it represents, and the district wants an agreement that it deems fiscally responsible.
One of the issues the union has raised is that teachers haven’t received a cost-of-living increase in six years, despite a strong local economy. The district has countered by saying it has provided raises despite a drop in state funding.