Columbus strike: Teachers at Ohio’s largest school district vote to strike just before start of school year

“94% of Columbus Education Association (CEA) members voted to reject the (school) Board's last, best and final offer and go on strike for the first time since 1975,” the union said in a statement on Twitter. “CEA is committed to bargaining for the safe and welcoming, properly maintained, and fully-resourced public schools Columbus students deserve.”

The union said the disagreement is over learning conditions, including class sizes and functional heating and air conditioning in classrooms, according to Columbus Education Association's notice of intent to strike.

Columbus City Schools serves 47,000 students, according to the district.

Despite the strike, the school year is still scheduled to begin Wednesday, but classes will be online and led by substitutes, according to school district's website.

The district says its own administrators may also teach online classes while the strike continues. But since teachers make up most of the district's coaching staff, sports activities may be rescheduled or canceled, according to the website.

The strike at Columbus City Schools isn't the only one happening this week.

The union in Philadelphia, 32BJ SEIU, is asking for higher wages and adequate training programs.