PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In a historic move, support staff at Evergreen Public Schools officially voted to go on strike, starting Tuesday, which is the first day of school.

The vote by the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 (PSE) resulted in 92.5% in favor of the strike. That means the strike will proceed unless a contract agreement is reached before August 26.

Support staff includes para-educators, bus drivers, maintenance staff and more. The union said employees are struggling after six months without a contract and are demanding better pay to keep up with the cost of living.

The district said it's currently facing significant budget challenges and that it presented staff raises last week.

The teachers union has also agreed to show their support

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