Port Angeles teachers union authorizes strike as negotiations stall

Teachers in Port Angeles have voted to authorize a strike. And if their issues and concerns aren't addressed, they too could be walking the picket lines come this Thursday, which is the first day of school.

The teachers, who are members of the Port Angeles Education Association, are calling for smaller class sizes and more planning time. Their current contract ends Wednesday.

The 250-member union also claims the district has only scheduled four partial bargaining dates since June, adding the district “has yet to agree to the supports our students and our educators need to be successful.”

The district says resolving this issue as quickly as possible is its priority. But school officials are also advising on the district's website that families "explore alternative childcare."

“If the district team is willing to come in, commit the time and attention then we can reach an agreement,” said John Henry, president of the Port Angeles Education Association in a written statement. “Get the district to the table and we can get this done. PAEA is ready. We have been since February.”