Red for Ed (Strike Wave)

Red for Ed refers to a wave of strikes by educational workers, notably high school teachers, across the US in 2018 and 2019.

Background

Discussions of a strike in West Virginia began in early 2018. In the first week of February, teachers staged "walk-ins" at schools and some protested at the West Virginia Capitol.^[12] The strike proved successful, and inspired those in other states to strike as well.^[13]

In early April, Oklahoma became the second state to strike, making it the first time a teacher's strike was held in the state since 1990.^[14] The strike lasted for 10 days, from April 2-12, after teacher salaries were increased by $6,000 and support staff salaries were increased by $1,250.^[15]

In late April, teachers in Arizona and in Colorado went on strike. The Colorado strike began on April 27^[16] and ended on May 12,^[17] while the Arizona Strike lasted from April 26 to May 3.^[18]

In May 2018, it was reported that teachers in North Carolina could be next to strike, making it the fifth state to have a teachers' strike.^[19] This was due to the state being ranked 41st in the nation in salaries for teachers, and per pupil spending at negative 12 percent.^[20] Further, it was reported that teachers in North Carolina have seen a five percent decrease in salaries since 2008. Furthermore, teachers hired after January 1, 2021, will not receive health benefits, along with teachers having to pay $10,000 per year in out of pocket health insurance.^[21]

Because of a majority of the strikes being in predominantly Republican Party-controlled, conservative states,^[22] the strikes have been referred to as the "Red State Revolt".^[23][24][25] This has prompted several Republican politicians to concede to their demands, in the run-up to the 2018 mid-term elections.^[26]

Pension costs

One of the largest reasons for decreasing teacher pay and less funding for schools is the large amount of money diverted from current budgets to pay educators' unfunded pension liabilities. ^[27]:1 For example: "In Colorado, school district payments to the public pension fund have roughly doubled since 2006, from about 10 percent of payroll to 20 percent." ^[27]

A 2016 study found that only 30% of the money that school districts pay towards the retirement benefits of an educator actually go toward that educator's pension, with 70% being used to pay off unfunded debt in that pension system. ^[27]:1

Demands

Universally, demands included raising pay.^[28][29] In Oklahoma and West Virginia, respectively sources of oil and coal, demands included financing the increased spending on education through taxation focused on these industries.^[30][31]

Original reason for the strike included the state's plan to force teachers to use fitbit to be allowed to keep subscribing to the same healthplan or face a $500 annual fine.^[32]

Notable Strikes

Virginia

From the 28th of Feburary to 12th of May, 2018, University of Virginia workers won a 25% wage increase. A one day strike by all teachers in the state of 5% wage raise for teachers.

West Virginia

From the 22nd of February to the 7th of March, 2018. Teachers across the state of Arizona which was highly successful, resulting in a 5% wage raise for teachers.

Kentucky

Kentucky's teacher strike on the 2nd of April, 2018 has led to unknown results.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma teacher strike lasted from the 2nd of April to 12th of April, 2018 and led to:

• $6,000 salary raise for teachers
• $1,250 salary raise for support staff
• Increased public school funding through tobacco tax.

Georgia

School bus drivers went on strike for the 19th of April to the 23rd of April, leading to seven being fired and ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.

Arizona

From the 26th of April to the 3rd of May, 2018. Teachers across the state of Arizona which was highly successful, resulting in:

• 19% wage raise for teachers by 2020
• 9% wage for teachers in 2018–19 school year
• subsequent 5% raises in wages for the next two years
• Increased support staff wages

Colorado

From the 27th of April to the 12th of May, 2018. Teachers across the state of Colorado which was successful, resulting in:

• 2% wage increase
• Education budget restored to pre-Recession levels

North Carolina

Teachers went on two one day strikes from

California

From the 14th of January to the 22nd of January, 2019. Teachers across the city of Los Angeles which was highly successful, resulting in:

• 6% wage increase
• Reduction in class sizes
• Increase in support staff

From the 21st of February to the 28th of February, 2019. Teachers across the city of Oakland which was highly successful, resulting in:

• 11% wage increase over four years
• Reduction in class sizes
• Delay in school closures for 5 months

South Carolina

On the 21st of May, 2018 a one-day strike was held by teachers.