This week The Salem Keizer Education Association (SKEA, the teacher’s union) is having its teacher members vote to decide whether to accept the district's contract offer, or to go on strike.

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A strike could happen as early as April 2.

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SKEA is proceeding with a strike vote from Monday through Thursday. Teachers will be voting to approve a strike or to accept the district's contract offer. 

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SKEA does not expect the district to accept their proposal, calling it a miracle if they were to accept it. They will need to provide 10 days of notice ahead of a strike, the district saying they will let everyone know if it were to happen. 

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One of the disagreements is on compensation. SKEA is asking for a 2-year proposal with a 6.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA), while the district is offering a 2-year proposal with a 6.25% cost of living adjustment.

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The teacher union disagrees with the district’s redefinition of what a full time equivalent (FTE) is. SKEA said that the district definition could reduce teachers' pay. SKEA claims that the district's intentions seem suspicious. “SKEA is very concerned, disappointed, and angry that the district is pulling a stunt like this,” SKEA said in an email to its members.

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According to Superintendent Andrea Casteñada, the district has put in the largest known financial offer at $40 million. This offer was made in January where they had claimed that it was all they had available. “It was true then and it’s true now,” Casteñada said.

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Casteñada said the district is bound by law to not misuse the FTE definition.

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