'Our power in the streets prevailed': Teacher's union reach tentative agreement made with Oakland Unified
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- After a seven day strike, Oakland teachers are claiming victory with a tentative agreement reached with the Oakland Unified School District.
"Our power in the streets prevailed," OEA President Keith Brown said. "Our love for our students prevailed and our determination for a better future for the students of Oakland prevailed."
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So what exactly did the teacher's get? The four-year deal includes an 11-percent salary increase and a 3-percent bonus at the time of ratification.
In addition, a decrease in class sizes and more student support. Student support includes a reduction in counselor and other resource specialists' caseloads and a plan for nurse retention and recruitment.
Keeping schools open, a charter school cap and a retention bonus for substitute teachers are included in the tentative agreement as well.
"Strikes are intense and emotional times, but we now know we need to walk back into our schools and stand shoulder to shoulder and work on behalf of our students," OUSD Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell said.
Things certainly got intense on Friday as the news of the tentative agreement broke.
"It's invigorating and what we're going to have to do is stay together for all the other fights because public education is under attack," Manny Lopez, an OEA picket captain, said.
Protestors blocked the school board from a meeting where they were slated to vote on about $22 million in cuts that would impact classified workers or non-teaching employees.
OAKLAND TEACHER STRIKE: Here's what you need to know
"Until all workers at Oakland Unified School District are treated with dignity and respect, the teachers will stand with us," Betty Smith, President of SEIU said.
See more stories and videos related to the Oakland teacher strike.
