PAT Strike Info & Action Items

As you know, the Portland Association of Teachers notified the District Thursday night that it has called for a strike starting on Wednesday, November 1. We now have additional mediation dates scheduled, and the District’s bargaining team is committed to staying at the table, with or without a strike, to reach a resolution. You have the right to choose if you will strike or work during the strike, and we honor your right to do so.

We are writing to provide information about next steps. In the event of a strike, our schools will be closed for instruction, but the District will provide some essential services to our children. These services will include on-line tutoring and academic coaching for designated students. If you choose to work during the strike, you will be paid your current salary.

Therefore, to finalize plans for these services and to ensure we know who is working, please inform your administrator and complete this initial strike designation form to inform us if you plan to continue to work. If we do not hear from you prior to the first day of the strike, that is not a problem--we will assume that you are choosing to strike.

Employees who choose to continue working will be provided additional information from their administrator regarding work expectations, including the possibility of working from home.

Changing your strike designation
If you are on strike and choose to return to work before the end of the strike, you will be paid for the days you work. To notify the district that you are choosing to stop striking and want to return to work, complete the change strike designation form to change your initial strike designation.

Choosing to strike
If you choose to strike, you will not be paid for the days you strike. This includes Extended Responsibility (ER). You will not be able to engage in any ER responsibilities or activities. If you are an athletic coach as well as a regular PAT educator, you will not be able to coach if you choose to strike.

Checking out
Whether you decide to continue to work during the strike or not, you will need to check out prior to the end of your work day on Tuesday, October 31. Educators who choose to strike will be required to turn in all district property. This includes leaving your District-issued technology and curriculum. Your administrator will connect with you to complete a check out list.

We are keeping these frequently asked questions updated. If you have a question that is not addressed in these FAQs, please submit it here. You are also welcome to contact Human Resources at 503-916-3544 with your question.

Thank you,

Sharon Reese
Chief of Human Resources