CHENEY, Wash. – The Center for American Rights (CAR) and the Washington Policy Center informed the Cheney Education Association that the planned strike would be illegal.
CAR sent Cheney educators this reminder, citing state statutes that prohibit the action. The RCW 41.56.120 statute states that, “Nothing contained in this chapter shall permit or grant any public employee the right to strike or refuse to perform their official duties.”This comes after the Cheney Education Association after failed collective bargaining negotiations with the Cheney School District.The by saying they were committed to resolving the issues and acknowledged the crucial role of educators.CAR said that if educators follow through with their plans, the Cheney School District could immediately proceed to court to secure an injunction.Defiance against any injunction sought by the school district could result in fines on the union and even imprisonment, according to CAR.”Strong policy reasons underpin the decision of Washington and 36 other states to make teacher strikes illegal: they negatively impact the academic achievement and emotional well-being of students,” the Center for American Rights said.”Parents and students have a right to expect that schools will open on schedule, that the teachers union will follow the law, and that the school district will enforce the law,” Daniel Suhr, President of CAR, said.”
