The #RedForEd teacher strike wave that began in West Virginia last year is coming to Oregon May 8 in the form of a one-day walkout by teachers around the state to demand better school funding. Over 20,000 teachers are expected to take part in the work stoppages, and they’ll be joined by students, parents, and other supporters in four mass rallies in Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Medford.
Teachers are walking out to demand smaller class sizes; restored music, arts, physical education, and career and technical programs; more teachers, counselors, nurses, librarians, and educational support professionals; and restoration of educators and programs in higher education.
Building up to the main event, an estimated 4,000 teachers rallied at the Capitol on Feb. 18, and teachers around the state have been displaying solidarity by wearing red every Wednesday. Find out more about the strike at may8forstudents.org
Mass rallies
- Portland: Rally 11 a.m. at Tom McCall Waterfront Park followed by a march
- Salem: Rally 1:30 p.m. at Riverfront Park, followed by a 3 p.m. action at the State Capitol
- Eugene: Rally 11 a.m. at Town Square / Farmers Market
- Medford: Rally 11-12:30 at Alba Park (corner of W. Main and S. Holly St.), followed by a 12:30 to 1 p.m. march