DC seeking temporary restraining order against teachers union ordering educators stop discussing strike

WASHINGTON - The District is seeking a temporary restraining order against the Washington Teachers’ Union that would order them to stop educators from discussing a possible strike against returning to the classroom.

WTU spokesman Joe Weedon confirmed the information to FOX 5. In a statment released on Tuesday, the union said they are disscussing many issues with members, including the possibility of holding a secret ballot strike authorization vote this week.

"Teachers want to go back to in school learning when they are assured that the buildings are safe," WTU President Elizabeth Davis said in the statement. "The well being of all school staff and students is of the utmost importance. That said, if the District of Columbia Public Schools continues to refuse to work with us to ensure the safety of our school facilities, we must continue to discuss ways to protect our health and that of our students. That could include a strike authorization vote later this week." Davis said she urged every teacher to return to school Tuesday.

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Since March of last year, teachers and students have used remote learning methods after the coronavirus outbreak shuttered school buildings across the county.

DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO DELAY REOPENING, WILL HOLD ALL VIRTUAL CLASSES MONDAY

D.C. schools were set to reopen Monday but a snow storm kept teachers and students home using virtual learning. Snow delayed the opening of schools for two hours on Tuesday.

DCPS Chancellor Ferebee released the following statement:

"DCPS fulfilled its health and safety commitment to students and staff, and these measures were reaffirmed by an arbitrator's decision made over the weekend. Our schools are safe, and we know the best place for students to learn is in the classroom. Our students are ready, our buildings are ready, our staff is ready. DCPS is opening our doors tomorrow."