St. Paul strike inspired educators around state

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ST. PAUL, Minnesota. March 13, 2020 – The members of the Saint Paul Federation of Educators returned to work Friday after a three-day strike ended with a tentative agreement that included new resources for student supports, including mental health professionals.

“This is not the end of organized educators fighting for their students, not even close,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. “Educators everywhere are taking their inspiration from the passion and coordination of SPFE members and preparing for bigger, louder actions for the full funding all our students deserve.”

SPFE negotiators won more mental health supports for their students, including social workers, nurses, psychologists and intervention specialists. Also, more multilingual staff members will be hired and compensation will improve. Full details were not disclosed.

“Reaching this agreement was difficult,” said Specht. “The leaders of SPFE were bargaining in an unprecedented situation, although the issues were well known. They included the mental health crisis, improving learning conditions, and recruiting, developing and retaining great educators. Those issues are our issues. Minnesota’s educators applaud SPFE’s fight and understand the reasons to settle.”

About Education Minnesota 
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.