May 20, 2022
Dear Blue School Families,
On Tuesday, May 24, we will strike for one day to protest the School’s unlawful refusal to recognize and bargain with our union. We do not make this decision lightly, and it comes only after exhausting other options since our election in August 2021. Blue School is breaking the law by refusing to recognize our legally certified union. We are striking to protect our fundamental, democratic right to organize collectively and secure a voice in our working conditions and terms of employment.
The School’s intransigence in refusing to recognize and bargain with our union is an unnecessary waste of time, money, and resources that could be better dedicated to making Blue School a stronger institution. It is also a clear demonstration of School leadership’s unwillingness to respect employees, who have resoundingly supported a union, or the needs of the student body.
We love your children and are committed to their wellbeing and education. We recognize the impact this process has on families. We work hard to create a supportive, innovative learning environment and provide a safe place for your children each day, but our working conditions are your children’s learning conditions. We can only provide them with a supportive learning environment when we are supported ourselves. We unionized to collectively bargain with our employer and to be treated equitably and with dignity. For our own sake and for the sake of your children, we need a fair contract that provides us with job security, fair wages and workplace conditions. We invite you to stand with us.
Blue School families can support us by:
- Joining us on the picket line to positively convey our demands. We will be picketing from 8:30AM – 3:30 PM on Tuesday, May 24th.
- Honoring our strike by not sending your children to school in person or remotely.
- Having a conversation with your children about our decision to strike. See resources for talking to your children here.
In solidarity,
The Blue School Union