We're Doing It Anyway: Teacher Strikes as Social Justice in Action

• In Event: Pedagogy, Assessment, Strikes, and Leadership in Education

Abstract

Recent educator strikes in Chicago and protest actions in right-to-work states have been notable. Unions have openly challenged bargaining restrictions by bargaining/engaging in labor actions for community and social justice oriented demands that go beyond bread-and-butter issues. By bargaining for the common good, unions changed the landscape of what’s worth striking for re: teachers work and advocacy for children, families, and communities. We explore the phenomenon of educators using bargaining for the common good and other labor actions (such as strikes, walk-outs, work stoppages, etc.) as social justice interventions. Bargaining for the common good is addressed in depth. The question is explored as to whether educators have a responsibility to engage in labor actions as specific social justice interventions.

Authors

• Diego Ramirez, Chicago Public Schools

• Pamela J. Konkol, Concordia University - Chicago