CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia American Federation of Teachers President Fred Albert says he’s heard from some teachers–so upset with the state school board’s return to school mandate that they want to go out on strike.
But Albert said during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline,” that’s not everyone.
“We have some who say that but I also have many who say, ‘Please, please, no. We do not want to strike,’ I don’t think that’s the way to go right now,” Albert said.
For now the union is going the legal route hoping to get a court injunction next week to stop the return of in-person instruction until all workers who want to, can be vaccinated. Albert said that’s currently the best option.
“I think we have other ways that we need to try to reasonably work this out and I believe the action we are taking through this injunction is the best way at this point,” Albert said.
The union said it’s legal challenge will be aimed at protecting “the health and safety of school employees.”
Fred Albert, AFT-WV President, joins @HoppyKercheval to discuss their ongoing legal action regarding schools in West Virginia. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIRZCB pic.twitter.com/scK0DnjJef
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) January 15, 2021
West Virginia’s state school board unanimously passed a motion Wednesday that would prevent county school systems from opting for remote learning after Jan. 19, countermanding decisions that had already been made by several local boards.
Several county school boards have had special meetings in the past two days to vote in favor of returning next Tuesday on a blended schedule. Jefferson County has voted to stay on a remote schedule until March 1.
Albert said what they’re asking for is to allow the vaccination process to be completed for those teachers and school service personnel who want it before sending them back before students.
“The first of February would probably be an okay place. The middle of February would probably be even better,” he said.
Albert said his office is flooded with calls and emails daily from members who are “scared to death” to have a full room of students until current spread numbers go down or until they are vaccinated.
“It’s about unsafe working conditions right now. We feel that they are for us to go back full-force for us to go back on the 19th,” Albert said.