Hundreds Rally for Hayward Teachers

Hundreds of striking teachers, parents and students rallied today in downtown Hayward demonstrating their militancy once again. Their well-organized public action evoked a deafening response of horn blasts from passing cars and trucks.

Although the union has now proposed a 12% raise over two years (down from 16.84% over four years) the district bargaining team refuses to budge. This is the 10th day of the strike which began before Spring Break.

In fact, the district re-filed for an injunction against the Hayward teachers, effectively declaring that the strike itself is too effective and well-organized to be broken without state intervention.

Many school districts are currently negotiating contracts in the Bay Area, which will clearly be influenced by the outcome of this struggle. Furthermore, a successful injunction against the teachers would set the precedent that strikes may be ended for being “too good”.

Union president Kathleen Crummey has vowed to continue fighting for a good contract and said she refuses to be intimidated by a court injunction.

After the rally ended many community members went on to the school board meeting that occurred at Hayward City Hall tonight at 6:30pm.

For a recent overview, see http://www.socialistworker.org/2007-1/629/629_14_Hayward.shtml

Strike supporters are urgently asked to call and e-mail the Hayward Unified School District Board of Education:

Grant Peterson, president, 510-886-4263, husdtrustee.grant [at] comcast.net; Myrna Truehill, vice president, 510-887-0855, mtruehill [at] sbcglobal.net; Sarah Gonzales, clerk, 510-427-2043, sgonz50 [at] comcast.net; Paul Frumkin III, member, 510-886-8910, pfrumkin [at] co.alameda.ca.us; Jeff Cook, member, 510-732-0671, jeffcook4schools [at] comcast.net.