MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Board of Directors passed a resolution Thursday in response to an possible strike by teachers represented by the Moses Lake Education Association. MLEA members voted to authorize a strike if a labor agreement is not met by Friday, Nov. 28. 

The contingency measure is a proactive step intended to maintain safety, protect facilities, and ensure the continuation of essential operations in the district should a strike be formally initiated, according to Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon.  

According to the resolution, the board has "substantial grounds to believe that an unlawful strike by employees represented by the Moses Lake Education Association is imminent.”  

According to RCW 41.59.020, grants certificated employees of school districts, who include teachers, the right to engage in collective bargaining. However, under RCW 41.56.041 the right to strike is not granted.  

“Nothing contained in this chapter shall permit or grant any public employee the right to strike or refuse to perform his or her official duties,” reads the RCW.  

The resolution emphasizes the potential of harm to students and the community, declaring that "the residents of the District and the school-age children in the community will be irreparably injured" if a work stoppage occurs.  

Shannon said the district remains committed to working with the MLEA, expressing hope for an agreement that would avert a formal strike. 

“The district remains committed to mediation and is hopeful an agreement will be reached,” Shannon said. 

The approved resolution includes several key measures designed to maintain operations and protect student safety.  

Among them, the board authorized the suspension of existing policies that could hinder immediate action during a strike. This suspension would permit the district to act swiftly to manage the situation and mitigate any potential disruptions to educational services. 

In the event of a strike, the resolution empowers the superintendent or a designated representative to close school facilities and limit access to school grounds. Access would be granted only to certain personnel, including law enforcement and district employees not participating in the strike, as well as students and their parents. 

Additionally, the resolution addresses the potential financial implications for staff involved in a strike. If employees participate in a work stoppage, the district reserves the right to suspend payment of health insurance premiums for those employees.  

Furthermore, any request for sick leave during a strike would require certification of illness, and unauthorized absences may lead to disciplinary action or discharge procedures. 

In anticipation of a potential strike, the Superintendent is authorized under the resolution to hire temporary employees to fulfill necessary roles and maintain the operation of the district. This provision ensures that students continue to receive education and support. 

The resolution's seventh provision extends to the authorization of legal action in the event of a strike. The district may pursue legal remedies against individuals participating in a strike or against MLEA, including seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief to stop unlawful actions.  

“This resolution authorized the district to take temporary steps to maintain safety, protect facilities and continue essential operations should a work stoppage occur,” Shannon said. “None of these actions will take effect unless the work stoppage is formally initiated by the Moses Lake Education Association."