Strike may send parents scrambling for child care

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

As the state and teachers union continue on a path toward a strike by Hawai'i's 13,000 public school teachers on Thursday, working parents of school-age children face potential child-care problems.

Most, however, seem to be taking a wait-and-see attitude toward preparations.

"I don't think parents are panicking yet," said John Friedman, president of the Hawai'i State Parent Teacher Student Association. "Most of them are able to provide safe, nurturing environments, at least for the initial two days."

Unless it can reach agreement with the state on a new contract for pay raises, the Hawai'i State Teachers Association is planning to strike in four days. A strike by public school teachers could be exacerbated by a walkout of 3,100 University of Hawai'i faculty members on the same day unless they, too, reach a contract agreement for pay raises with the state.

State schools superintendent Paul LeMahieu told parents last week to prepare for at least two days of school closures, but said enough staff may be available to keep classes going after that. "Every person in Hawai'i will be affected in some way by a statewide public education strike, making this a time of uncertainty, anxiety and stress for all," LeMahieu said.

Union leaders briefed teachers across the state Friday on the contract negotiations, saying they planned to return to the bargaining table as soon as possible. Talks are are planned for today.

School administrators have been asked to assess whether classes can be held at their campuses during the first two days of a strike.

"We are urging, at the elementary level, they care for the youngest children first and then increase in other grades as adult support might permit," LeMahieu said. "At the high school level, we are going to recommend seniors first."

Teachers have been asked to turn in a week's worth of lesson plans so that administrators, educational assistants, part-time teachers and substitute teachers can conduct classes.

But the department was unable to keep schools open the last time teachers walked off the job in 1973.

In the event of a strike, parents with extended family on the islands will probably have the easiest time — relying on grandparents, aunts and uncles, at least for the short term. Others may have to find child-care providers on short notice. Most don't seem to have started looking yet.

"I suspect we'll get a flock of calls (this) week,'' said Karen Wong, executive director of PATCH (Parents Attentive to Children), an organization that links parents with child-care providers who charge about $20 per day. "Most of the calls we've gotten have been from employers on behalf of their employees."

Parents who would need a place to keep children ages 7 through 17, also seem to be procrastinating.

Kawika Yahiro, director of the Boys and Girls Clubs Spalding Clubhouse in McCully, said that although parents have been calling to find out about Clubhouse hours and activities, none seem to be bringing their children in and paying the $10 annual membership fee.

"They're waiting until the last minute," he said. "Most of the calls we've gotten have been from the banks and big companies."

Some students aren't exactly grieving at the thought of a strike.

"They see it as another opportunity for an extended vacation," Yahiro said.

Gwen Hullenan said her daughters, fourth-grader Jennifer and first-grader Malia, both students at Ahuimanu Elementary School in Kane'ohe, have the same attitude.

"They're pretty excited," she said. "I'm not."

Hullenan said she thought she'd ask her mother to baby-sit for the first day or two. She isn't sure what she'd do after that.

"It would be too tough on her for a prolonged period," Hullenan said. "I hope if we have a strike, it won't last very long."

Kathy Mau, mother of twins Lauren and Lindsey, first-graders at Noelani Elementary School in Manoa, said she thought she probably had her child-care arrangements worked out. "I'm fortunate," she said. "I have family that can help and an employer who is understanding and helpful."

Mau said Kaiser Permanente, her employer, has provided staff with tips on how to search for child care, and advised employees who have flexible schedules to work with their bosses to accommodate both work and child care in the event of a strike.

Bank of Hawai'i also is offering more flexible scheduling for employees, said spokesman Stafford Kiguchi. Employees are also encouraged to make use of dependent care days, vacation and personal leave, and the bank has circulated lists of child-care providers.

"We've also given managers the authority to authorize parents to bring children to work," Kiguchi said.

Nancy Daniels, spokeswoman for Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, said her company has also circulated lists of child-care providers.

"But, like everyone else, we're hoping a settlement will be reached."

Teachers dispute at a glance

• The union is seeking a 22 percent raise over four years, with a price tag of at least $260 million, but has informally offered a 21 percent package that would cost about $161 million.

• The state's last offer averages about a 12 percent increase, at a total cost of $67 million. It ties in accountability, licensure and includes $5,000 extra a year for teachers who gain national certification.

• Teachers currently earn between $29,000 and $58,000.

• The issues: The union says Hawai'i is facing a teacher-shortage crisis and the state needs to improve pay to boost recruitment and retention. The state says its offer boosts pay for new teachers, but it has only limited money and wants to tie any pay raise to improving performance.

• The Hawai'i State Teachers Association represents nearly 13,000 public school teachers statewide.

• Hawai'i's teachers have been without a contract since January 1999.

• In the last round of contract talks in 1997, teachers were within hours of striking when a deal was reached. That contract provided a 17 percent increase but added seven days to the school calendar.

• The last time teachers walked off the job was April 1973. That strike lasted 19 days.

In the event of a strike:

• Public schools will be closed Thursday and Friday.

• All nonstriking employees of the Department of Education must report to work.

• Beginning April 9, schools may reopen if administrators decide they have enough staff. Schools may reopen incrementally. For example, at the elementary level, first consideration may be given to younger students. In middle schools, first consideration may be given to eighth-graders. In high school, first consideration may be given to seniors.

• School openings will be announced by 4:30 p.m. the preceding day. For information, check the Web site for the DOE under the strike information link: http://doe.k12.hi.us or call a strike hot line available beginning April 4 at 586-4636. That number can be reached with the state's toll-free lines from the Neighbor Islands.