Skip to content

3 min read

Guam teachers strike for wage increase, 1980-81

Summary

In 1980-81, the Guam Federation of Teachers (GFT) led a strike of public school teachers demanding a 30% cost-of-living wage increase [source: nv-database]. The strike lasted 58 days, involving picketing, a human chain around the legislature, and appeals that clogged civil service hearings [source: nv-database]. Despite these efforts, the teachers failed to achieve any pay raises or concessions, and the strike ended on March 10, 1981 [source: nv-database].

Tactics used

Tactics used

Background

In 1980, the government of Guam employed over 9,000 workers, about half of whom were teachers [source: nv-database]. Teachers’ pay lagged behind the national average, and the Guam Federation of Teachers (GFT) organized a petition for a 30% cost-of-living wage increase [source: nv-database]. After the petition failed, the government passed a $700 wage increase in August, but the GFT was unsatisfied, especially after territorial legislators granted themselves raises of $2,000 to $10,000 annually in December [source: nv-database].

What happened

lead photo

Lead photo. — Wikimedia Commons contributor (Public domain). Source: guam-teachers-strike-for-wage-increase-1980-81.jpg

On December 19, 1980, the GFT staged a rally in Agana where hundreds of teachers voted to strike if not given a 30% wage increase [source: nv-database]. On January 7, 1981, a written vote passed to strike, though only 75% of members voted and 70% of those supported it [source: nv-database]. Governor Caldo obtained a court injunction declaring the strike illegal [source: nv-database]. On January 12, 758 of 1,464 classroom teachers did not report to work and formed picket lines; school bus drivers and university faculty also joined, and some Operating Engineers Local 3 members struck in solidarity [source: nv-database]. Education Director Katherine Aguon suspended and later fired nearly all strikers, hiring replacement teachers [source: nv-database]. The strike grew to over 900 participants [source: nv-database]. Teachers appealed their firings, clogging Civil Service hearings [source: nv-database]. On February 6, teachers formed a human chain around the legislature building; police arrested 61 protesters, many of whom went limp [source: nv-database]. Governor Caldo and GFT President Conrad Stinson opened discussions, but Caldo cut off negotiations when picketing began at officials’ homes [source: nv-database]. Fifteen University of Guam professors were fired after picketing the governor’s home [source: nv-database]. The American Federation of Teachers provided interest-free loans, but some teachers returned to work [source: nv-database]. On February 19, returning teachers were told they had been permanently replaced; fewer than 100 filled out re-hire forms [source: nv-database]. Negotiations reopened but the government outlasted the financially struggling teachers, and the strike ended on March 10, 1981 after 58 days [source: nv-database].

Key people & organizations

  • Guam Federation of Teachers (GFT)
  • Operating Engineers Local No. 3
  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
  • Governor Paul Caldo
  • Education Director Katherine Aguon
  • GFT Executive Director Marcia Hartsock
  • Operating Engineers Local 3 President Tommy Long
  • GFT President Conrad Stinson
  • Chamorro Employees Labor Union (CHELU)

Outcome

Verdict: lost.

The teachers failed to receive any pay raises or other concessions, resulting in a loss [source: nv-database]. The GFT paid a $35,000 fine for breaking the court injunction, its membership was greatly reduced, and public education remained weakened for years due to under-qualified replacement teachers and ongoing tension [source: nv-database].

Lessons

  • Ethnic divisions among campaigners can undermine unity and effectiveness.
  • Financial sustainability is critical for long strikes; external loans may not be sufficient.
  • Court injunctions can be defied but may lead to fines and legal consequences.

Sources

Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.

Sources & verification

  • nv-database — grounding: primary — license: link-only
  • Rewritten: 2026-06-25 via worker_casestudies_v2.py

Last verified: 2026-06-25