Teachers, AFL-CIO rally for right to strike in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine teachers unions and the state AFL-CIO want certain public employees to have the right to strike.

The Maine AFL-CIO and the Maine Education Association on Wednesday held a rally at the Maine Statehouse in support of several bills aiming to ensure public employees can strike.

Democratic Rep. Michael Sylvester’s bill would extend such a right to public sector workers excluding police and firefighters.

Wiscasset Middle High School teacher Heather Sinclair tells Maine Public that teachers are discouraged by limited options in local negotiations.

Maine AFL-CIO spokesman Andy O’Brien said teachers across the country have gone on strike to fight for more funding and pay.

But Maine School Management Association Executive Director Steven Bailey said strikes could break bonds between teachers, students and communities.