Evergreen Public Schools’ classified workers rallied outside the district’s office Wednesday in advance of their union’s first strike vote in 57 years.

Members of the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 said they’re seeking a fair contract and livable wages.

The union plans to hold a vote Thursday. Members will decide whether to strike Tuesday, which would delay the first day of school, or ratify a new contract, said Mindy Troffer-Cooper, the union’s chapter president and a paraeducator at Harmony Elementary School.

Classified staff include paraeducators, bus drivers and maintenance staff.

“The union is about solidarity. When one of us stands, we all should stand,” said Derek Sytsma, a special education paraeducator at Wy’east Middle School. “So

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