On Tuesday, the Lakeville teachers union filed their intent to strike following an overwhelming 99% vote to do so on Thursday.
Educators are asking the district for a substantial wage increase, more affordable healthcare and better benefits. According to the union, members also oppose "right of assignment" language that allows the district to unilaterally transfer teachers between buildings, subjects and grade levels.
“Lakeville teachers have made it clear - we’re ready to strike for what we need for the first time ever,” lead negotiator and an English Language teacher Johannah Surma said in a statement. “The school board has the power to avert a strike. We’re looking for a swift and fair agreement with needed raises - without forced transfer language - so we can continue to work our essential jobs with full faith in our district.”
The union is hosting a rally outside the district office Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. before the public comment period at a Lakeville school board meeting.
The next mediation session between the union and the district is scheduled for May 6. If the two sides can't come to an agreement, the earliest date that educators can walk out is May 10.
Lakeville Area Schools serve more than 12,000 students in Lakeville, Burnsville, Elko New Market, Eureka, Credit River and New Market, according to the district website.
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