Striking teachers in Oakland to vote on contract deal Sunday

OAKLAND, Calif. – Striking teachers in Oakland, California are expected to vote Sunday on a contract deal aimed at ending a seven-day walkout.

The Oakland Education Association postponed the vote by a day after announcing earlier it would happen Saturday.

The 3,000 teachers walked off the job Feb. 21, effectively shutting the city’s 86 schools to demand higher pay, smaller classes and more school resources. They were the latest educators in the U.S. to strike over pay and classroom conditions.

After a week of marathon negotiations with the school district, the union announced Friday the teachers won everything they demanded.

The deal includes an 11 per cent salary increase and a one-time 3 per cent bonus, once the deal is ratified.

If the deal is approved, the teachers will return to classrooms next week.