First teachers' strike since 1998

4,000 Jersey City Teachers & Nurses go on Strike

28,000 students attend school in Jersey City

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After a failed meeting between union officials and the board of education, teachers in Union City went on strike. After both sides meeting about 20 times, talks broke down last Thursday night.

Due to the strike, students were let out after a half day schedule.

The Jersey City teacher's union president Ronald Greco said his union members are being "disregarded and disrespected" by the Jersey City school board. The school district responded, saying in a statement that the district "is facing a $70 million shortfall."

At issue during the contentious talks are health care costs, which are impacting not just teachers in Jersey City but districts around the nation.

Now, 28,000 students will not be going to school on Monday. A judge late last night rules teachers must go back to work Monday - but the teachers may not comply.

With the strike ongoing as of later yesterday, Friday, expect picket lines and parents showing support - and disagreement - on Monday. However, with a teacher's contract that expired on September 1, 2017, that includes not only teachers but nurses and paraprofessionals, the unhappy thousands of school staff may not comply.

Negotiations between both sides hit a wall after numerous discussions since 2017 to solve the problem and avoid a strike.

Updates to follow.