Medford
Three-day strike unites Medford teachers
We’re going back to a better educational situation in Medford. Teacher morale is up, and this can only have a positive impact on the schools.
Proposition 2½, the 1980 ballot measure that capped property taxes, took its toll in Medford and across the state. Members of the Medford Teachers Association were upset that 100 Medford teachers were laid off after it was passed, though no other city employees had lost their jobs, according to MTA Today.
Their frustration was compounded by inadequate raises and other actions of the city. The members voted to strike at 6 a.m. on Oct. 5. They stayed out for three days, picketing in the rain and cheering on their bargaining team. Of the 450 teachers, the numbers crossing the picket line fell from six on the first day to four on the second, causing the district to close the schools for all students.
A settlement was finally reached at 3 a.m. on Oct. 9 and was ratified that morning with overwhelming support. The local association had won most of what the members were seeking, including 6 percent raises a year for three years, additional longevity payments, more preparation time for elementary teachers and a more supportive evaluation system.
One Medford striker went right for the jugular — he persuaded a Xerox repairman not to cross the picket line. ‘We’re not working, so the machine’s not needed,’ the teacher told the repairman. One slight hitch: when the strike ended, teachers blamed their colleague for the fact that the machine was still broken.
