The Hayward teachers' strike continues today, April 6th, as teachers and the community rallied at Birchfield Park at 11:00AM.
Dolores Huerta, co-founder and the First Vice President Emeritus of the United Farm Workers (UFW), spoke at the rally in support of the teachers.
"I think the strike is wonderful," said Huerta. "Everybody has come together and there is no doubt in my mind that they are going to win."
Huerta, along with Cesar E. Chavez, directed the Delano grape strike in 1965.
"She has history in our labor movements," said Hayward teacher Martin Genera. "People realize that she's the grassroots community hero for a lot of us. It's a blessing that she comes here to help our community, schools and families."
By the end of Huerta's speech, she motivated the crowd to chant, "Viva la Huelga!" and "Si, se puede!" which translates to "Long live the strike!" and "Yes, we can!"
According to Hayward Education Association (HEA) President Kathleen Crummey, the money is on the table and the district needs to give teachers a fair wage increase. Crummey also mentioned that Superintendent Dale Vigil is not on the bargaining team and he will be leaving on a vacation.
"I hope the district makes its decisions and choices and spend its money on the teachers," said Genera.
The Representative of the District Office did not return phone calls by press time.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Hayward Teachers at Birchfield park
The Hayward teachers went to Birchfield Park to negotiate with the district about the 16.12% raise.
Hayward Education Association (HEA) informed the community about the last round of negotiations held with the school board members.
The district gave “the last worst offer, a 3%, which is like a bonus,” said HEA President Kathleen Crummey. “We have 98% of the teachers protesting… I think they can at least offer 8%.”
“I feel horrible,” said Superintendent Dale Vigil. “For every day they are out, they don’t get paid and we want them to come back. We very much want to get back to the table and negotiate again, but right now we don’t see things the same. We have eight million dollars but that’s ongoing money, and we see that eight million dollars as a one time use only. Once we spend it this year, we can’t spend it anymore.”
“Three top officials from the district gave themselves 16.84% raise,” said Crummey.
At the rally teachers received wide support from many Teacher Unions such as California Teachers Association (CTA) and National Education Association (NEA).
At the end of the school day, only 30 students remained in Tennyson High School supervised by five “scabs”.
According to Soledad Padilla, as parents, many will keep their children out of school until there is a fair contract. More than likely it is possible that the strike would continue tomorrow, Friday, April 6, and pick up again when students are expected to return from spring break Monday, April 16.
Hayward Education Association (HEA) informed the community about the last round of negotiations held with the school board members.
The district gave “the last worst offer, a 3%, which is like a bonus,” said HEA President Kathleen Crummey. “We have 98% of the teachers protesting… I think they can at least offer 8%.”
“I feel horrible,” said Superintendent Dale Vigil. “For every day they are out, they don’t get paid and we want them to come back. We very much want to get back to the table and negotiate again, but right now we don’t see things the same. We have eight million dollars but that’s ongoing money, and we see that eight million dollars as a one time use only. Once we spend it this year, we can’t spend it anymore.”
“Three top officials from the district gave themselves 16.84% raise,” said Crummey.
At the rally teachers received wide support from many Teacher Unions such as California Teachers Association (CTA) and National Education Association (NEA).
At the end of the school day, only 30 students remained in Tennyson High School supervised by five “scabs”.
According to Soledad Padilla, as parents, many will keep their children out of school until there is a fair contract. More than likely it is possible that the strike would continue tomorrow, Friday, April 6, and pick up again when students are expected to return from spring break Monday, April 16.
Hayward teachers on strike today for the 16.84%
Hayward teachers on strike today for the 16.12% increase over two years, which is .72% less than16.84%.
Teachers arrived in front of the Hayward schools with picket signs as early as 6:30 in the morning.
A rally will be held at Birchfield Park today at 11:00 AM.
Teachers chanted "Shame on you!" calling the few subs that show up at school "scabs." Substitute teachers are paid $300 each day they substitute.
The district is "slapping us on the face and treating the subs like Kings and Queens," said Tennyson High School's Foreign language teacher Cynthia Earl. "The subs are getting more pay than some of the new teachers."
"The district needs to pay the raise," said Senior Michelle Akpala. "If Hayward teachers are the lowest paid, no one wants to come. We'll be getting leftover teachers who are not qualified and [have] no credentials to teach."
"No teachers, no learning" chanted the teachers who were blocking the parking entrance.
Hayward Teachers will be on strike until a settlement is reached.
According to the Attendance Clerks of Tennyson High School, the school started off with 150 students admitted to the cafeteria. Students then were separated into different classes according to their grades. Many students left campus before second block even began.
"It worries me that our kids are out in the street," said Tennyson High School parent Claudia Vidal. "I didn't send my child to school because there is more danger out there than in my house."
Most students hope that the strike will soon end fearing that perhaps, "the school year will be longer," said Sophomore Yuliana Tafolla.
School today will continue with substitutes and the regular bell schedules.
Teachers arrived in front of the Hayward schools with picket signs as early as 6:30 in the morning.
A rally will be held at Birchfield Park today at 11:00 AM.
Teachers chanted "Shame on you!" calling the few subs that show up at school "scabs." Substitute teachers are paid $300 each day they substitute.
The district is "slapping us on the face and treating the subs like Kings and Queens," said Tennyson High School's Foreign language teacher Cynthia Earl. "The subs are getting more pay than some of the new teachers."
"The district needs to pay the raise," said Senior Michelle Akpala. "If Hayward teachers are the lowest paid, no one wants to come. We'll be getting leftover teachers who are not qualified and [have] no credentials to teach."
"No teachers, no learning" chanted the teachers who were blocking the parking entrance.
Hayward Teachers will be on strike until a settlement is reached.
According to the Attendance Clerks of Tennyson High School, the school started off with 150 students admitted to the cafeteria. Students then were separated into different classes according to their grades. Many students left campus before second block even began.
"It worries me that our kids are out in the street," said Tennyson High School parent Claudia Vidal. "I didn't send my child to school because there is more danger out there than in my house."
Most students hope that the strike will soon end fearing that perhaps, "the school year will be longer," said Sophomore Yuliana Tafolla.
School today will continue with substitutes and the regular bell schedules.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
First Glance Strike Coverage
The Tennyson First Glance will do their best to continuously inform the community fairly regarding the teachers' strike. We will also be posting at www.myspace.com/thsfirstglance.
Teacher Strike Called
A strike was called by Hayward Education Association beginning Thursday April 5th. HEA is asking for the same raise as the cost of living increase the district received, 8.08%.
The Hayward Unified School District was given a 8.08% cost of living adjustment (COLA) of the beginning of 2007. The teachers are asking the same amount retroactive to the beginning of July 1st, 2006. In response, the district offered 7% which would take effect on May 1st, 2007.
The Hayward Unified School District was given a 8.08% cost of living adjustment (COLA) of the beginning of 2007. The teachers are asking the same amount retroactive to the beginning of July 1st, 2006. In response, the district offered 7% which would take effect on May 1st, 2007.
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