According to news reports teachers at more than 50 North Carolina schools walked out from their schools in protest over working conditions and the legislature’s failure to pass a budget and improving funding for education and better teacher salaries.
The action coordinated by the social media group NC Teachers in Action urge teachers to participate in the walk out and to join the NC Teachers in Action Discussion Group. NC Teachers in Action said they expect about 50 schools across North Carolina to participate in the protest.
Organizers are calling the action a “walkout”, saying they aren’t asking people to stay home but that “we’re walking for change”
Truth be told, the event by NC Teachers in Action is prohibited by North Carolina state law (N.C.G.S.95-98.1)
Strikes by public employees prohibited. Strikes by public employees are hereby declared illegal and against the public policy of this State. No person holding a position either full or part-time by appointment or employment with the State of North Carolina or in any county, city, town or other political subdivision of the State of North Carolina or in any agency of any of them, shall willfully participate in a strike by public employees.
So, is a walkout a strike?
N.C.G.S. Chapter 95-98.2 defines a strike:
The word “strike” as used herein shall mean a cessation or deliberate slowing down by a combination of persons as a means of enforcing compliance with a demand upon the employer, but shall not include protected activity under Article 16 of this Chapter. Provided, however, that nothing herein shall limit or impair the right of any public employee to express or communicate a complaint or opinion on any matter related to the conditions of public employment so long as the same is not designed to and does not interfere with the full, faithful, and proper performance of the duties of employment. (1981, c.958, s.1.)
It is also true that lawmakers have contributed to this mess. They are elected to represent their constituents and are also constitutionally required to approve a budget for the state for a two-year period known as a biennium. That often requires having to make difficult decisions and compromises. Having to do so, does not mean you don’t make them.
North Carolina’s fiscal year started July 1, 2025. As of January 7, 2026, North Carolina still had not passed a state budget. It’s the only state in the nation to have not done so. It’s embarrassing and totally unnecessary.
No matter what you think about the individual budgets, it doesn’t change the fact that the House and Senate are abdicating their responsibilities to the people of North Carolina. The inability of lawmakers to carry out their responsibilities creates great hardships for districts, teachers and all those charged with operating school districts.
Having teachers walk off their jobs is no way for a school to operate. Neither is having lawmakers fail to appropriate money for a state budget.
It’s time for everyone to do their jobs.
