Oakland teachers' union votes to authorize potential strike, citing low wages and high turnover

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- On Friday, members of the Oakland teachers' union voted to authorize a potential strike.

The union said members are advocating for a fair contract that "ensures the safe, stable, racially-just schools Oakland students deserve."

"Right now, OUSD educators are the lowest paid in the region, and as a result, the District loses nearly 400 hardworking, dedicated educators per year, costing the district $7.5 million annually," said Kampala Taiz-Rancifer, president of the Oakland Education Association. "This is a waste of resources, destabilizes classrooms, and especially hurts our most vulnerable students. Oakland educators have been in this fight for the schools our students deserve for a long time-and we remain committed to stabilizing our schools."

PREVIOUSLY: Oakland teachers reach agreement with school district to avoid 1-day strike

The union said the strike vote comes after nearly 12 months of bargaining with OUSD holding at a 0% wage increase.

The Oakland Education Association previously held a strike in 2023.