Seattle teachers OK contract

SEATTLE – Seattle teachers have approved a labor contract between the union and its school district, officially ending a weeklong strike that had delayed the start of school for 53,000 students.

The walkout began Sept. 9 in Washington’s largest school district and was suspended pending the outcome of Sunday’s vote by the 5,000-member union. The sides had reached a tentative agreement last week, allowing the first day of school to begin Thursday.

Members of the Seattle Education Association ratified the three-year deal at a meeting Sunday.

The Seattle Times reports that of the estimated 3,000 members who attended the meeting, 83 percent of teachers, 87 percent of paraprofessionals and 96 percent of office professionals voted to approve the contract, according to the Seattle Education Association.

The contract gives teachers a 9.5 percent pay raise over three years, not including state cost-of-living adjustments, and more teacher input over standardized tests.