Detroit Teachers Authorize Strike Amid Coronavirus Concerns

DETROIT, MI — Detroit teachers have authorized a strike three weeks ahead of the start of the school year following concerns over safety for staff and students amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The vote was reached during an emergency special meeting Wednesday. The vote authorizes the DFT executive board to call a safety strike if the union and the school district do not reach an agreement. Members voted 91 percent in favor of authorizing a safety strike.

“Over the past few months our members have raised concerns regarding the District’s reopening plan,” said Detroit Federation of Teachers President Terrence Martin. “Choice on whether to work remotely or in person is yet to be codified with signatures and guaranteed for all our members. It is imperative that the District puts protocols in place to protect both staff and students.”

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More than 94,000 cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Michigan, where many school districts are weighing their options ahead of the state of the school year. Earlier this week, Michigan State University became the first large scale college in the state to announce it was going completely online.

The vote reached Wednesday to approve the authorization for the safety strike means that members agree to teach and work remotely, while not endangering their safety. It is not a work stoppage, which is a detail stressed by both teachers and school administration.

“This is the beginning of a fight to ensure that the health and safety protections for our members and our students are in place and enforced,” Martin said in a statement

During the meeting, DFT leaders and members said the safety strike authorization vote takes a stand to protect safety for students, parents, the community at large and DFT members.

A joint statement from the Detrout Public Schools Community District School Board and Superintendent Nikolai Vitti was released late Wednesday.

"While we acknowledge the action taken today by DFT, we are also confident the School Board and the District in discussion with DFT will result in a safe reopening of schools," the statement said.