Seattle Teachers Authorize Strike as Federal Mediator Intervenes in Contract Negotiations

Seattle teachers and school staff have voted to authorize a strike as contract negotiations between the Seattle Education Association (SEA) and Seattle Public Schools (SPS) reached an impasse. With the union's contract expiring on August 31st, a federal mediator has been called in at the district's request after talks broke down. Salaries, support for special education, and smaller class sizes are key issues in the dispute.