Seattle teachers reached a tentative agreement with the city’s school district as their strike entered its fifth day Tuesday, but they will stay on the picket lines pending its approval.

Spokane teachers nearly went on strike last week, however the Spokane Education Association and Spokane Public Schools were able to come to a one-year contract agreement. They will start negotiating next year's contract in January.

Spokane teachers wanted better compensation, as do Seattle teachers.

Both disputes have ties to state-wide education funding issues. Although the state is constitutionally obligated to support education, in the past districts have partially supported teacher pay themselves. The 2012 Washington Supreme Court McCleary ruling determined that the state is failing to meet its constitutional duty to pay for the cost of basic education. That’s why this year’s Spokane teacher contract included a cost-of-living increase provided by the state. However, union officials across the state believed more was needed. 

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/sep/15/striking-seattle-teachers-district-reach-tentative/

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