Update: Tacoma teachers strike is over

Tacoma teachers have approved a contract that ends their strike with nearly 100 percent of teachers voting for the new deal.

Negotiators had reached a tentative deal last night in Olympia in the governor’s wing where they were called by Gov. Chris Gregoire to settle their differences. The strike was the first for the Tacoma district since 1978 and kept 28,000 students out of school for eight days.

Teachers were told the three-year contract would keep salaries and class sizes the same. On the most contentious issue of teacher transfers, the contract calls for a committee of union and school district representatives to recommend a fair policy.

The union is concerned teachers could be transferred at the whim of principals. The district wants to consider factors in addition to seniority.

Under the new deal, classes will start on Friday with some makeup days required.