(Reuters) – Minneapolis’ public school teachers staged a strike Monday. This was their first strike in more than 50 year. The school district cancelled classes for 30,000 students starting Tuesday and continuing until the matter is settled.

About 4,500 Minneapolis Federation of Teachers teachers and supporting staff plan to picket at schools buildings Tuesday morning, and then hold a rally/marching in the afternoon.

After walking out of negotiations with representatives from the district, Greta Callahan (president of teacher chapter of Minneapolis Federation of Teachers) announced that she was going on strike for safe and stable schools.

Callahan explained that when thousands of people declare that they are willing to go without paying so our kids have the school that they want, it is obvious that there is something wrong with the Minneapolis Public Schools.

Minneapolis teachers went on strike for the first time in 1970, in an illegal strike which union leaders claimed brought about reforms that were desperately needed.

Teachers demand better wages and mental health support, as well as a limitation on class sizes. Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS District) says they can afford them, given Minnesota’s surplus of $9 billion.

The district claims it faces a budget deficit of $97.2million for next fiscal year. This gap is between the demands of the union and the amount the district is able to afford.

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in enrollment dropping by 3,000 students, and less funding from state. However, costs to run schools have increased. This was stated in the district’s fact sheet on the strike.

The district announced the cancellation of classes by a statement that stated, “MPS will continue to be at the mediation tables non-stop in an attempt to reduce the duration and impact of the strike.”