By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services via Arizona Capitol Times
The head of the statewide teachers union says a strike may be necessary to get salaries closer to where he believes they should be.
But not this year.
“A lot of work has to be done, a lot of storytelling has to happen so that people understand what the real issues are,” said Joe Thomas. The president of the Arizona Education Association told Capitol Media Services that centers on “support and respect.”
“Part of that comes as class size, part of that comes as a salary that keeps you in the state,” Thomas said. And he said the 1.06 percent hike for this school year approved by lawmakers and a promise for an identical amount next year, is not going to cut it.
“Our teachers need to see something north of 5 percent,” Thomas said, something to bring salaries close to what they are in surrounding states.
