G&C

Strikes of teachers have stirred up Kentucky and Oklahoma

More than 10,000 teachers filled the streets of the states to achieve raise in salary, and to increase the level of school funding. That day all classes were closed – some due to strike, and the rest for a vacation. Not long ago, those who had been on strike for 9 days demanded a pay rise in West Virginia.

Oklahoma is on the third place among the lowest teacher salaries in the US. The strikers say that the previous supplementary funding, which was received on account last week, will not be enough to raise the education sector to the proper level. The lack of funds has led to the fact that a number of schools work not more than 4 days a week and textbooks have not been changed for 20 years.

The Labor Union of Oklahoma teachers insists on raising teachers' salaries up to $ 10,000, and for other educators up to $ 5,000, and for improving the educational system additional 200 million are demanded. The government considered the request, however raised salaries only to $ 6.1 thousand and allocated only 50 million.

Some of the Oklahoma teachers say that even after raising their salaries, they still need to go for a second or even a third job to support their loved ones.

Teachers of the state of Kentucky have another reason for the strike. Protestants disagree with the changing plans for retirement, which are included in the sewer pending legislation, and also demand increased funding. Teachers do not agree that their pensions are not growing with rising prices. They are also outraged that the quantity of sick leaves that could also be taken to a pension account is limited.