Teachers Strike in Oakland After Contract Talks Break Down

Oakland public school teachers went on strike Thursday, but authorities promised to keep schools open for the district’s 50,000 students by using administrators and substitutes.

The 3,500-member Oakland Education Assn. has been working without a contract for more than a year. Class size, salaries and the early retirement program have been key sticking points.

“When it comes to the education of our children, we’ve all received a failing grade,” said picket Louella Harris. “We’ve got to do a better job.”

District spokeswoman Sherri Willis blamed the union; the strike followed a week of sluggish talks.

“They left. They didn’t declare an impasse. They just said there’s not enough progress . . . even though they were the ones who called for around-the-clock negotiations,” Willis said.

Both sides agreed to a mediator’s request to meet again Saturday.