Teachers are continuing to wave signs calling for a fair contract at campuses throughout the state as part of the ongoing “work to the rule” protests that started last months.

The demonstrations, which involve teachers only working from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., came under fire this week by state education officials who say the teachers are contractually obligated in some cases to work beyond those set hours.

Wil Okabe, the teachers union president who is in the midst of resumed contract negotiations with the state, said the teachers have a right to protest how they are.

He released this statement Wednesday evening:

“We believe that our teachers have a right to free speech under the state constitution and protection under Chapter 89 the collective bargaining statute to participate in these activities and HSTA will exercise to the fullest extent of the law to protect its members from prohibitions to do so.”
“This argument over what is covered by the contract and what isn’t, is a distraction and a deflection from the real issue – the fact that teachers have been disrespected by the governor.”