News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 11, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke’s Statement on Progress in Marysville Teachers’ Dispute

Gov. Gary Locke today issued the following statement on reported progress in the Marysville teachers’ dispute:

“I am very pleased to see both sides working hard to reach a resolution.

“I realize these are difficult negotiations but I encourage the parties to remain at the table and keep talking.

“I am satisfied that no additional action is needed from my office at this time. However, if progress stops, we are prepared to take further steps to urge both sides to reach an agreement.

“I will be in constant communication with my staff while I am in China on an international trade mission. If I decide further action is needed, I will direct my staff to move forward.

“It is imperative that both parties reach a compromise as soon as possible so Marysville students can get back to the classroom where they belong.”

Locke summoned both sides in the strike to his office in Olympia this week for separate meetings. He urged them to work harder to reach an agreement and get Marysville students back to school. Both meetings lasted for more than two hours.

While the governor has communicated his desire that the sides settle in previous teacher strikes, this is the first time since he took office in 1997 that he has summoned both sides to Olympia.

The governor leaves later today for a seven-day trade mission to China.

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