The teachers' strike in West Virginia represents rare hope in dark times

Beyond the gross cacophony of the Trump White House, where inane palace intrigue continues to transfix the nation, a very important story is taking place. While the mainstream media has just caught up, it has been months, if not years, in the making – a revolt that may just signal the actual, much-deserved revenge of the working class.

In West Virginia, all of the teachers have been on strike for over a week. Among the very worst paid in America, these teachers are seeking a 5% pay raise and passable health benefits. While a deal seemed to be in place for the teachers to return back to work, the state senate blocked it and the teachers remain on strike, thronging the state capitol with growing support.

Unlike past labor actions, this statewide strike has come without official union backing. Long on the decline in West Virginia, the union representing teachers is both hamstrung by existing laws and too divorced from its militant past to drive an action like this. The teachers walked out on their own, fed up with a status quo that was leaving them nearly destitute.


Source :- theguardian