
Members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers march through downtown Detroit on Monday, May 2, 2016.
(Photo: AP)
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
Members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers march through downtown Detroit on Monday, May 2, 2016.
Nearly every public school in Detroit was shut down on Monday as teachers city-wide held a "sickout" over news that the embattled district would be unable to pay them past June 30.
The protest kept 94 out of 97 schools closed after the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) announced the action on Sunday. Detroit Public Schools (DPS) emergency manager Judge Steven Rhodes told the union over the weekend that the district would not have enough money to pay its 2,600 teachers' already-earned salaries without additional funding from the legislature.
Summer school and additional services would also be canceled, he said.
"There's a basic agreement in America: When you put in a day's work, you'll receive a day's pay. DPS is breaking that deal," said DFT interim president Ivy Bailey. "Teachers want to be in the classroom, giving children a chance to learn and reach their potential. Unfortunately, by refusing to guarantee that we will be paid for our work, DPS is effectively locking our members out of the classrooms."
The school system's total debt is more than $3 billion. Rhodes warned state lawmakers in early March that the district was rapidly running out of money and would be broke on April 8. In response, the state Senate approved $715 million in funding, which the House is currently debating.
"Teachers in Detroit have sacrificed greatly to ensure our schools stay open and our kids have the opportunity to learn," Bailey said. "But working without pay is the straw that breaks the camel's back. Teachers have mortgage payments, utility bills, and grocery bills. Being paid for their work isn't a luxury; it's a necessity."
Monday's sick-out--staged as such because it is illegal for teachers to strike under Michigan law--is the latest in a series of similar actions. Educators held a sickout in January to protest the district's decrepit infrastructure, which included crumbling school buildings, cockroach and rat infestations, and overwhelmingly large class sizes.
Earlier this year, the Detroit school board filed a federal lawsuit against the state, alleging that the Michigan emergency manager law is partially to blame for the financial troubles.
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Nearly every public school in Detroit was shut down on Monday as teachers city-wide held a "sickout" over news that the embattled district would be unable to pay them past June 30.
The protest kept 94 out of 97 schools closed after the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) announced the action on Sunday. Detroit Public Schools (DPS) emergency manager Judge Steven Rhodes told the union over the weekend that the district would not have enough money to pay its 2,600 teachers' already-earned salaries without additional funding from the legislature.
Summer school and additional services would also be canceled, he said.
"There's a basic agreement in America: When you put in a day's work, you'll receive a day's pay. DPS is breaking that deal," said DFT interim president Ivy Bailey. "Teachers want to be in the classroom, giving children a chance to learn and reach their potential. Unfortunately, by refusing to guarantee that we will be paid for our work, DPS is effectively locking our members out of the classrooms."
The school system's total debt is more than $3 billion. Rhodes warned state lawmakers in early March that the district was rapidly running out of money and would be broke on April 8. In response, the state Senate approved $715 million in funding, which the House is currently debating.
"Teachers in Detroit have sacrificed greatly to ensure our schools stay open and our kids have the opportunity to learn," Bailey said. "But working without pay is the straw that breaks the camel's back. Teachers have mortgage payments, utility bills, and grocery bills. Being paid for their work isn't a luxury; it's a necessity."
Monday's sick-out--staged as such because it is illegal for teachers to strike under Michigan law--is the latest in a series of similar actions. Educators held a sickout in January to protest the district's decrepit infrastructure, which included crumbling school buildings, cockroach and rat infestations, and overwhelmingly large class sizes.
Earlier this year, the Detroit school board filed a federal lawsuit against the state, alleging that the Michigan emergency manager law is partially to blame for the financial troubles.
Nearly every public school in Detroit was shut down on Monday as teachers city-wide held a "sickout" over news that the embattled district would be unable to pay them past June 30.
The protest kept 94 out of 97 schools closed after the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) announced the action on Sunday. Detroit Public Schools (DPS) emergency manager Judge Steven Rhodes told the union over the weekend that the district would not have enough money to pay its 2,600 teachers' already-earned salaries without additional funding from the legislature.
Summer school and additional services would also be canceled, he said.
"There's a basic agreement in America: When you put in a day's work, you'll receive a day's pay. DPS is breaking that deal," said DFT interim president Ivy Bailey. "Teachers want to be in the classroom, giving children a chance to learn and reach their potential. Unfortunately, by refusing to guarantee that we will be paid for our work, DPS is effectively locking our members out of the classrooms."
The school system's total debt is more than $3 billion. Rhodes warned state lawmakers in early March that the district was rapidly running out of money and would be broke on April 8. In response, the state Senate approved $715 million in funding, which the House is currently debating.
"Teachers in Detroit have sacrificed greatly to ensure our schools stay open and our kids have the opportunity to learn," Bailey said. "But working without pay is the straw that breaks the camel's back. Teachers have mortgage payments, utility bills, and grocery bills. Being paid for their work isn't a luxury; it's a necessity."
Monday's sick-out--staged as such because it is illegal for teachers to strike under Michigan law--is the latest in a series of similar actions. Educators held a sickout in January to protest the district's decrepit infrastructure, which included crumbling school buildings, cockroach and rat infestations, and overwhelmingly large class sizes.
Earlier this year, the Detroit school board filed a federal lawsuit against the state, alleging that the Michigan emergency manager law is partially to blame for the financial troubles.