Vancouver Public Schools Support Staff Vote Strike Authorization

Paraeducators and support staff represented by the Vancouver Association of Educational Support Professionals (VAESP), encompassing over 800 members, have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike due to unresolved contract negotiations that began in April. Key issues include concerns over class sizes, removal of layoff protections, stipends for extra duties, and compensation for injuries sustained from students. While the union has been without a contract since August 31, mediation with the district is ongoing, with the strike's start date yet to be determined. This development follows a similar situation in the nearby Evergreen Public Schools district, where a nearly three-week strike by classified workers recently ended with a tentative contract agreement allowing schools to reopen. Vancouver's classified employees are pushing for higher wages amid a paraeducator shortage and continue to negotiate with district leaders. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as negotiations and union decisions progress.