We never left the negotiating table. We always remain willing to meet the unions so long as they withdraw their strike on Friday. I mean, honestly, do you agree that there should be a strike as a backdrop of a negotiation when we’re trying to provide stability for kids?

Our simple ask is withdraw the strike, allow kids to be in school and ensure children have the stability they deserve. That’s a reasonable request, especially knowing that we are increasing their pay every year over the course of the program. We’re hiring 1,800 more. We’re preserving benefits and pensions and 131 days of sick leave, which most people in this economy could only dream of.

This is a competitive offer. What we’re asking for is for students to come first in this debate. Let’s make sure they stay in school on Friday and every day this school year.