First Ever Teachers' Strike in Portland Shuts Schools for 45,000 Students Amid Disputes Over Class Sizes, Pay, and Resources

District claims inability to meet union's demands due to financial constraints, highlighting record $10.2 billion budget allegedly insufficient for educators' needs; negotiations to continue with help of state mediator.

Teachers in Portland, Oregon have initiated the district's first ever strike, leaving 45,000 students without access to school due to ongoing disputes over class sizes, salaries, and available resources
Despite a record budget of $10.2 billion for K-12 education approved by Oregon lawmakers, the school district claims it does not have the funds to meet the demands of the teachers' union
Many of the educators participating in the strike report feeling overwhelmed and unsupported in their classrooms, with long hours that negatively impact their physical and mental health
The Portland Association of Teachers is seeking a 20% salary increase over three years and is also pushing for caps on class sizes and increased planning time for teachers
The strike is part of a broader wave of organized labor movements across the United States, which have seen thousands of workers across various sectors join picket lines this year