PORTLAND, Ore. — Tensions continue to rise between Portland Public Schools and its teachers union, the Portland Association of Teachers.
PPS is threatening to file an unfair labor practice charge against the PAT in response to the union's protest tactics during the ongoing teacher strike. On Wednesday, teachers picketed outside the Oregon Convention Center. Security footage shows two people opening doors of the convention center from inside, allowing striking teachers inside.
Portland Public Schools school board member Andrew Scott works at the convention center. PPS said it also objects to protests staged outside PPS officials' homes. In response, lawyers for PAT sent a letter back, saying PPS lawyers were exaggerating the events.
Though while the strike continues, families are stuck in the middle.
"I've been 'momming' all day and working all night," Christi Smith, a mom of three elementary students said.
For almost two weeks, Smith has been watching after her children all day, while also working from home. Her children were sent home with some assignments at the beginning of November but have run out of work.
Now, Smith is trying to manage how much time they spend on electronics while keeping them active. Two of her children were signed up for basketball this winter — but practices have been postponed because it was through the school system.
She said she's concerned a strike could last for at least another couple of weeks.
"I think we're in it at least through Thanksgiving for sure," Smith said.
PPS and its teachers union are meeting throughout the weekend in hopes to reopen schools on Monday. The two sides are still far apart on demands, although recent concessions have been made.