When teachers strike, they are often concerned with issues that affect their students and schools. These issues may include low pay, challenging working conditions, or inadequate district support for student success.
In a comprehensive new study, researchers examined more than 770 teacher strikes over the last 20 years. They found that on average, teacher strikes lead to raises of about 8 percent, or $10,000, in the five years after a strike. This increase in salary is larger than the amount typically raised in a year by union dues alone, and it also leads to improvements in other areas such as per-pupil spending for nonteaching staff.
The researchers also find that teacher strikes do not have negative academic effects on student test scores. This finding is consistent with previous studies of teacher strikes and may reflect the fact that most teacher strikes are short (often less than a week). In the few cases when teachers have gone on strike for more than a week, however, the research suggests they have had small, temporary negative effects in math achievement.
Despite these findings, the authors point out that it is important for unions not to become dependent on one tactic, even if it is as powerful and useful as the teacher strike. As such, they should continue to explore a wide array of direct action tactics, including the right to strike.
If your local school district is going on strike, show your support by visiting the picket line. A simple gesture, like stopping by with coffee, hand warmers, and throat lozenges is much appreciated and shows that you care about your children’s education.