In case you’re not
following it, check out the inspiring wildcat strike by 33,000 teachers and
support staff in West Virginia. It’s one of the biggest strikes in the US in
recent years.
The strike -- which began
with walkouts in seven counties -- soon covered all of the state’s 55 counties.
And it’s now in its seventh day.
Earlier this week, educators
refused to go back to work after union leaders reached a “deal” with Gov. James
Justice to boost their pay and establish a “task force” to look into their
health insurance.
Even though union
leaders told them to go back to work, teachers said “No way” …and remain on
strike. They’ll go back to work once their health insurance is fixed, say
teachers. For years, state officials have been piling more and more costs -- and
an intrusive wellness program -- onto their backs.
Check out this interesting
interview with a rank-and-file leader who describes how teachers are
organizing themselves in each school and county. And how they won support from students,
parents and communities across the state.
(Eric Blanc, “The
Strike Is On: And Interview with Jay O’Neal,” Jacobin Magazine, Marsh 1, 2018.)
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| Gov. James Justice |
Their strike has
featured a rally of 10,000 people in front of the state capitol, takeovers of
the state capitol, rallies across the state, and lots of public support for the
strikers.
After Governor
Justice called the teachers “Dumb bunnies,” educators began sporting bunny ears.
“We come from an area
that is known for standing up for what they believe in,” said Katie Endicott, a
high school English teacher from Gilbert, WV, in an interview
with the New York Times. “The union
wars, they originated in the south in Mingo County. We believe we are following
in their footsteps. We believe the movement was started years ago through the
mine workers. We’re just reviving the movement that was started years ago.
(Jess Bidgood, “’I
live paycheck to paycheck’: A West Virginia teacher explains why she’s on
strike,” New York Times, March 1, 2018.)
Here’s an article in Jacobin Magazine that gives more
background. (Cathy Kunkel, “Saving
West Virginia,” Jacobin Magazine, February 27, 2018.)
And here's a quick video from inside the state capitol: "We'nore not gonna take it anymore!"
“We’re not gonna take it,” sing the teachers, service personnel and supporters outside West Virginia state legislative chambers. pic.twitter.com/M7qkrfQxkT— Sarah L. Jorgensen (@SarahLJorgensen) February 28, 2018
