MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A strike can still be avoided, but AFT-Monongalia President Sam Brunett said Tuesday’s pay raise vote in the House of Delegates was a step towards a teacher work stoppage.
“We hope it doesn’t come to that, but it sure as heck should draw some attention to what is going on,” he said. “They’ll see this isn’t all just talk, that teachers and public employees are fired up.”
As the Monongalia County Board of Education offered its for support teachers and service personnel, Brunett says a statewide work action inches closer to reality. He admitted that a timeline couldn’t be nailed down yet.
“It is difficult to say,” he said. “After (Tuesday’s) action by the House, I would say that’s one step closer. Then again, we have to leave the door open for negotiation as the session goes on.”
The bill that passed in the House of Delegates raises pay for teachers by two percent next fiscal year and one percent in the next three years. State Police and service personnel will receive a two percent pay next year and a one percent raise the following year.
“A hundred percent, I’m positive that our teachers and our public employees are not going to go for that deal,” Brunett said.
Teachers were demanding a four percent pay raise each year for five years. Brunett said all sides should still be open to negotiations. The House bill passed 99-0, but is different from the Senate version. It will next return to that chamber.
A rally bringing together school personnel from across the state is scheduled in Charleston next weekend.
The West Virginia Education Association and American Federation of Teachers – West Virginia received authorization for a statewide action on Sunday.