On 2 September 1975 mostly Black teachers teachers in Wilmington, Delaware, voted to strike in a contract dispute with the local Board of Education. Their contract had expired in June, and the teachers had demanded various demands, including a 12% cost of living pay increase for each of the next four years. The workers decided to ignore state law, which prohibits strikes by public servants. The strike rapidly became bitter, with employers using the courts and police repeatedly against strikers. On September 23 alone, 209 teachers were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Over the course of the dispute, over half of the 800 members of the Wilmington Federation of Teachers were arrested. The schools also retaliated by firing over 500 teachers and 44 school secretaries. Still, the workers held firm, and on October 10, after 28 days of action, the workers voted to ratify a new contract. Amongst the concessions from the employers were pay increases of 6% for each of the next three years, and reinstatement of the sacked workers.
Wilmington teachers strike - WCH | Stories
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