/Survey 30 percent of teachers would strike for better pay, more than 60 percent OK with ‘sick out’

Survey 30 percent of teachers would strike for better pay, more than 60 percent OK with ‘sick out’

Nonprofit Mississippi News A recent survey of over 1,500 teachers found that a third are open to participating in a teacher strike to get a better pay. The Mississippi Association of Educators is a statewide association and affiliate of the National Education Association. It released a survey earlier in the month to gauge teachers’ interest in participating in a “walkout of the classroom” on a particular day and refusing to return for an indefinite time. MAE stated in the accompanying analysis that they took care not to encourage respondents to choose any particular action. “The survey included action options because they were being considered strongly by educators.” The analysis that MAE provided with the survey stated that the Legislature approved a $1500 raise for teachers and assistant teachers. Many found the amount offensive and a Facebook page called “Pay Raise Mississippi Teachers” was created to spark debate about whether teachers were ready to strike. The supporters of a strike attempt hope that the history will repeat itself. The Legislature gave a $4,400 raise to teachers in Mississippi after they went on strike in 1985. The same bill that gave the raise also included terms that prohibit teachers, teacher unions and district officials participating in any future strikes. 1,765 people responded to the MAE survey that was distributed by the organization via email, Facebook and text messages. 1,524 of those surveyed said that they were either educators or support workers. The respondents were asked to name the county in which they taught. There were many results, with Hinds and Desoto counties receiving 9.71 percent and 9.79%, respectively. MAE stated that they have seen success in Mississippi and other states, so we know that the change must come from the bottom up. “We also know that educators need to be organized and have a plan.” Almost a third of respondents were asked what they would do to protest the $1,500 raise and the deliberate divestment from public education by state leaders. Respondents had the option of choosing more than one option. MAE stated that actions such as rallying or informational picketing are not the goal. MAE wrote that these are tactics and activities that can be used strategically to achieve our goals.