DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Detroit Federation of Teachers authorized a safety strike after a vote Wednesday, with negotiations continuing ahead of the start of the school year. The potential strike is in response to the Detroit Public Schools Community District reopening plans for students.
Board officials said 91 percent of union members voted in favor to authorize the strike.
“Over the past few months our members have raised concerns regarding the District’s reopening plan,” said DFT President Terrence Martin. “Choice on whether to work remotely or in person is yet to be codified with signatures and guaranteed for all our members. It is imperative that the District puts protocols in place to protect both staff and students.”
Organizers said the vote was taken during the federation's monthly membership meeting.
DPSCD School Board and Superintendent Nikolai Vitti released the below joint statement in response to the safety strike vote:
While we acknowledge the action taken today by DFT, we are also confident the School Board and the District in discussion with DFT will result in a safe reopening of schools.
According to DFT, on behalf of its more than 4,000 members, the group has "continuously expressed concern with the District regarding its reopening plan."
"A few weeks ago we issued a list of demands in partnership with our sister unions. Our demands continue to go ignored and so it is now time for us to bring the question to our membership to make a difficult but necessary decision for what is in the best interest of our students and members," DFT wrote in a release.
View more information about the Detroit Federation of Teachers here.
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