Oakland teachers on Sunday voted to end a seven-day strike and will return to classrooms on Monday.
Oakland Education Association members had a turnout of better than 70 percent voting at the Paramount Theater in Oakland. The results were 64 percent Yes for the 2017-18 contract term and 58 percent for the 2020-21 contract term, the OEA said.
"With gains in every key area, this contract lays a solid foundation for the challenging fight ahead to ensure that all Oakland kids have access to fully-funded, well-resourced public schools in their neighborhood with great educators and support staff that can afford to stick around," the union said in a statement on its Facebook page.
The Oakland Education Association postponed the vote by a day after announcing earlier it would happen Saturday.
The 3,000 teachers walked off the job Feb. 21, effectively shutting the city’s 86 schools to demand higher pay, smaller classes and more school resources. They were the latest educators in the U.S. to strike over pay and classroom conditions.
After a week of marathon negotiations with the school district, the union announced Friday the teachers won everything they demanded.
The deal includes an 11 percent salary increase and a one-time 3 percent bonus, once the deal is ratified.
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Oakland Unified School District Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell released a statement late Sunday:
"Words cannot express how deeply grateful I am that this strike has come to a close. Speaking as the Superintendent, a parent of OUSD students, and a former teacher and principal in the District, our students are always my top priority and the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning. I’m happy that students will return to school tomorrow, back into the safe, supportive learning environments created by our dedicated teachers.
"It goes without saying that this strike was very difficult for our community. That being said, it’s clear how much we all value our teachers. We are pleased that the members of OEA ratified the contract, which is an important step toward greater investment in our classrooms. Of course, we must thank State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond and State Assembly Member, Rob Bonta for the critical roles they played in facilitating the agreement. And we appreciate the students, families and all our community partners for helping us reach this resolution.
"My hope is that this new contract demonstrates our commitment to recruiting and keeping the best teachers in Oakland. We know that not all members were fully supportive of the contract terms. I understand the sense of urgency to fix all of our long-standing fiscal and systems issues, but the reality is that it will take a few years to stabilize the District. I accepted this position to tackle the tough issues and make sure that all of our students have access to quality schools. I will continue to collaborate with all of our labor partners and the community to ensure that OUSD is a district that makes us all proud.
"While there is still healing to come, I know we will all work together to welcome our students and families back to school."
