March 5, 2018
WAYNE COUNTY SCHOOLS TAKE LEAD IN W. VA. TEACHER/STATE WORKER STRIKE
Wayne county schools led in the statewide teachers and state employees walkout being the first to close classes for Monday, March 5. All schools in 55 counties across West Virginia will continue to be closed on Monday, March 5th for the statewide teacher strike.
The walkout continued after the news of the West Virginia Senate passing an amended pay raise bill on Saturday lowering the raise for teachers and service personnel to 4% after the teachers and their union officials had asked for and agreed upon 5% with Gov. Jim Justice.
But the W.Va. The House of Delegates did not agree with the amendment and now the bill goes to a special conference committee.
“The strike will continue indefinitely until the 5% raise is passed and our health insurance demands are met,” a WV Teachers union representative said Sunday.
Some schools around the Wayne County district such as Kanawha County will continue serving lunches for children at various sites countywide. Information on those locations and school related activities can be found on the district’s website.
“I’m so proud of Wayne County & of WV!, said teacher and also Ft. Gay mayor Joetta Hatfield about the teacher’s walk-out Monday morning from the capitol in Charleston, W.Va. “United 55 totally awesome!”