The Social Side of the Strongsville Teachers' Union Strike

Have you seen the "I Support the Strongsville Teachers" graphics popping up on your Facebook friend's profile pictures?

The graphic is starting to spread among supporters of the teachers' union — that went on strike officially Monday.

The 383-member Strongsville Education Association, the union representing teachers, voted to strike Sunday night, a day after contract talks broke down. 

There are two Facebook groups that have been created FOR and AGAINST the strike. 

1. End the Strongsville Teachers Strike NOW: There were 205 "likes" on that page as of Monday afternoon. 

This is posted in the about section of the page:

"We are parents, residents, taxpayers, and otherwise concerned citizens who want to see the Strongsville teacher strike ended.

The members of the Strongsville Education Association (SEA), which is the union that represents all Strongsville teachers, went on strike at midnight on Monday, March 4th. This strike is the result of (apparently) multiple failed bargaining sessions with the Strongsville Board of Education (BOE). If the teachers do strike, the BOE is planning to conduct school using replacement teachers.

We generally support teachers and recognize their value to the community. Many of us have children who have been taught by Strongsville teachers, and those teachers generally have been very good. That said, we believe that the SEA is acting completely inappropriately for the following reasons:" (Click here for the reasons.)

2. 385 Letters for 385 Strongsville Teachers: As of Monday afternoon, this page had 436 "likes." 

This is posted in the about section of the page:

"Help SUPPORT our Strongsville teachers, and in doing so help ENSURE quality education in Strongsville!

1) Write a letter, note, or poem; take a photo, make a video, or create something beautiful -- make sure your name is listed along with your class (example: Bob Smith ~ Class of 2004)

2) POST YOUR SUBMISSIONS AND MESSAGES DIRECTLY TO THIS FACEBOOK PAGE, and like/share/repost the other ones you like :)

3) Do this BEFORE March 1, 2013!!!! -- on Friday, March 1, the most popular liked/shared/reposted submissions will be collected and sent to our local newspapers, and it will also mean a lot to our favorite teachers."