Catherwood LibraryILR School

Teachers in the Oakland city school district authorized a strike yesterday in an effort to finally close off a years-long bargaining process. 755 of the union's 2,800-some members voted Monday night, and it was announced Tuesday that 75% were in favor of authorizing a strike. The strike may be up to ten days long; anything longer would require the approval of a council of representatives from every single one of the 100-plus schools in the district. Although the strike has been authorized, it is not definite, and both sides seem confident that an agreement could still be reached. The union and the school board have agreed to return to the bargaining table. The union hopes to secure wage raises that make the district "competitive" with neighboring districts.