Dublin Teachers Association members voted overwhelmingly to authorize DTA’s executive board to call a strike in the event a contract settlement is not reached. With over DTA 620 members voting, 98% voted to authorize a strike if a contract settlement that honors Dublin students is not reached. Voting took place at school sites lthe week of March 11.

“Our district management and school board have failed to listen to the voices of teachers. We know what our students need and we know what our school district can afford. Our members see our students are getting shortchanged and have said enough is enough. Teachers are ready to walk out together, if necessary,” said DTA President Roberta (Robbie) Kreitz.  

This resounding endorsement of the DTA Bargaining Team comes after nearly a year of negotiations and stall tactics on the part of management that prompted an impasse. The last mediation session on March 19 failed to get an agreement. The two sides are now certified to fact-finding, the last step in the bargaining process. Kreitz says she had hoped for a settlement and to avoid a strike, but “we are ready to stand up for what’s best for our students.”

DTA members want manageable class size caps, better staffing ratios for counselors and all specialists, collaboratively developed site-plans for providing instruction and compensation that will attract and retain the best educators.

“Our commitment to stand up for our students and our community is unwavering,” added Kreitz. “Our students deserve better.” A “March for Dublin Students” is planned for March 26 starting at 4:15. Student and teacher supporters will march from Dublin High School to the DUSD school board meeting.

This “yes” vote will authorize the chapter’s executive board to call a strike if no agreement is reached once the contract bargaining process has been exhausted, which would be following the completion of the impasse process under the Educational Employment Relations Act (EERA).

Photos by Karey Ronnow