Everett Teachers Authorize Strike in Stalled Contract Talks

EVERETT, Wash. — Members of the Everett Education Association voted by a margin of 92% to authorize a strike on Thursday, signaling deep frustration with stalled contract talks with Everett Public Schools. The district, which educates about 21,000 students across 33 schools in Snohomish County, has been negotiating since the previous contract expired in August 2025. Union president Sarah Smith stated the vote reflects 'unacceptable' delays on wages, class sizes and health benefits, amid inflation squeezing teachers' budgets in the Puget Sound region.

District spokesperson Tonya Draper acknowledged the vote but emphasized commitment to reaching a deal without a walkout. Key sticking points include a proposed 8.5% pay raise over two years from the union, countered by the district's 6% offer citing budget constraints from flat state funding. Negotiations, mediated by a state fact-finder, broke down last month after 14 sessions; the report recommended compromises closer to union demands but was rejected by administrators.

This follows a pattern of labor unrest in Washington schools, including the recent Evergreen Public Schools strike in Clark County that ended in late September 2025 after 14 days, with paraeducators ratifying a deal adding $2.50 hourly raises. In Everett, a 1987 teachers' strike lasted two days over contract implementation, highlighting historic volatility. Parents like Maria Gonzalez of south Everett expressed worry: 'My kids need stability, but teachers deserve fair pay too.'

The district's $470 million budget for 2025-26 relies heavily on local levies approved by voters, but enrollment dips and McCleary funding shortfalls strain resources. Union leaders set no strike date but warned action could start post-fact-finding impasse if no progress by mid-October. Superintendent Ibis Guerrero called for 'good faith' talks, with the next session scheduled for Oct. 10.