‘Bill of Rights’ would fund $25 minimum wage, health benefits for hourly school staff

As striking food service workers in Hastings put a spotlight on hardships faced by some of the lowest-paid school employees, state lawmakers this week debated bold, new legislation to lift standards for all hourly school workers. The “Education Support Professionals’ Bill of Rights,” introduced by DFLers in both the House and Senate, would establish a […]

Staffing crisis prompts school employees to ask for support, patience

“Take a breath and remember that the educators and staff who chose to come back this fall did so because they really care about the students and want them to succeed,” Education Minnesota President Denise Specht said.

St. Paul educators balk at district’s demand for concessions

Less than two years after their historic strike drew thousands of supporters into the streets, St. Paul educators are back at the bargaining table, looking to defend and build on gains made in their last contract. This morning educators were back outside their school buildings, too, showing unity and support for the student-centered priorities guiding […]

Staff announce union drives at two Twin Cities charter schools

Staff at two Twin Cities charter schools kicked off Teacher Appreciation Week earlier this month by filing for recognition of their unions. Teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff from Great River School in St. Paul and Hiawatha Academies in Minneapolis went public with their campaigns after filing signed authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board […]

Wait for vaccines to reopen schools, St. Paul educators say

St. Paul educators, parents and community members wary of the district’s plan to resume in-person learning staged a car rally Jan. 12, calling on administrators to hold off on reopening buildings until COVID-19 vaccines are available to school staff. St. Paul Public Schools plans to begin a phased-in reopening of elementary schools and some other […]

As new school year draws near, unions push districts for answers

In a school year unlike any other, educators and other staff need a voice in decisions that affect their safety, unions say.

Nick Faber: Strike, contract campaign led to real gains for St. Paul schools

No one should doubt St. Paul educators’ commitment to our students.

Mounds View paras stick together with strike vote

Union demands reflect the changing nature of paras’ work.