California’s top gubernatorial candidates have been torched for posed up visits to the picket line of San Francisco’s public schools strike that is heading towards a fifth day.
Firebrand Democrat Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell and Tom Steyer were blasted for their staged trips to the protests this week as they showed solidarity with the teachers’ union.
Around 50,000 students have been out of class since Monday when the United Educators of San Francisco shut down 120 schools across the region demanding a nine percent pay rise.
Thousands of teachers set up camp outside school buildings and City Hall, some holding signs reading “on strike for safe and stable schools” and “on strike for fully funded family healthcare.”
The move, which is costing the SFUSD between $7 million and $10 million a day – has been welcomed by the Democrats running for California governor, with Porter saying she was “proud” of the demonstrators.
Porter said: “As an educator and public school parent, I understand firsthand how investing in education is an investment in our future workforce and leaders of tomorrow.
“Every educator and school worker deserves to make ends meet, and as Governor I will boost funding for our schools.”
Swalwell said: “Teachers shouldn’t have to strike for fair pay or health care. I stand with the United Educators of San Francisco and with every Californian fighting for strong public schools.”
And Steyer added: “San Francisco’s teachers are striking for the first time in nearly 50 years. I joined them because we need fair pay and fair benefits for California’s working people.”
But they were roundly slammed by Republicans and San Francisco residents who revealed the chaos it has brought to the city and the impact it is having on the children.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
