By Pepper Fisher
PORT ANGELES – The paraeducators of the Port Angeles School District say they are going to go on strike on April 8 if they don’t get a 3.7% cost-of-living (COLA) increase that they have asked for repeatedly and that the district has refused to offer. Certified classroom teachers got this COLA increase in their latest contract.
The approximately 135 union members have been in negotiations for a new contract with the school district since last summer and have been working without a contract since Aug. 31.
Rebecca Winters is the president of the Port Angeles Paraeducators Association (PAPEA).
“No group that works as hard as all of us do at Port Angeles School District, certified and classified, should ever have to bargain a cost-of-living. That should be automatic. We’re not out there to strike or bargain to break the bank or to take from kids. We’re saying, your priorities have to start with those that are taking care of the kids. And I’ve said this to Superintendent Marty (Brewer), “Who’s taking care of us? That’s your job.”
It was announced Monday that members of Port Angeles Paraeducators Association (PAPEA) are inviting local residents to attend a school budget forum from 5:30 to 7 p.m. this Thursday, March 21, at the Port Angeles Senior & Community Center. Thursday’s forum will in part examine the district’s claim that it lacks the funds to provide this increase, and a school finance expert will give detailed analysis of district’s revenues, spending and priorities.
To RSVP to attend, please go to wea.mobi/PAbudget. Admission is free.
Union members are also asking supporters to sign an online petition.