The Evergreen Public Schools union workers held a pre-strike rally on August 26, 2025, in response to the district’s delay of the first day of school. The delay was caused by ongoing contract negotiations between the district and the union. The union workers are seeking better pay, benefits, and working conditions. The district has proposed a contract that the union claims does not meet their demands. The union workers are prepared to go on strike if an agreement is not reached. The pre-strike rally was attended by hundreds of union workers, parents, and students. The rally featured speeches from union leaders and educators, who emphasized the importance of fair compensation and safe working conditions. The union workers are also seeking smaller class sizes and more resources for students. The district has claimed that it cannot afford to meet the union’s demands, but the union argues that the district has the funds to do so. The contract negotiations have been ongoing for several months, with little progress made. The union workers are frustrated with the district’s lack of movement on key issues. The delay of the first day of school has caused inconvenience for parents and students, who are eager to start the new school year. The union workers are committed to reaching a fair agreement, but are prepared to take further action if necessary. The pre-strike rally was a show of solidarity and determination from the union workers. The rally also featured a march through the streets, with participants carrying signs and banners. The union workers are seeking support from the community, and are encouraging parents and students to get involved in the contract negotiations. The district has announced that it will provide updates on the contract negotiations, but the union workers are skeptical of the district’s commitment to reaching a fair agreement. The contract negotiations are ongoing, with the next meeting scheduled for later this week. The union workers are hopeful that a fair agreement can be reached, but are prepared for a long and difficult fight. The pre-strike rally was a significant event in the ongoing contract negotiations, and demonstrates the union workers’ commitment to fair compensation and safe working conditions. The rally also highlights the importance of community support in the contract negotiations. The union workers are urging parents and students to attend future rallies and meetings, and to contact the district to express their support for the union’s demands. The contract negotiations are a critical issue for the Evergreen Public Schools community, and the outcome will have a significant impact on the quality of education provided to students. The union workers are determined to reach a fair agreement, and are willing to take further action if necessary to achieve their goals.