Oakland teachers to walk off the job Thursday

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Teachers in Oakland, California, will become the latest educators in the country to strike over pay and classroom conditions.

Union officials representing 3,000 teachers confirmed a strike will start Thursday after last-minute negotiations with the school district fell apart Wednesday.

The walkout will affect 36,000 students at 86 schools.

In a message to parents, the Oakland Unified School District said schools will remain open, staffed by non-union employees and substitute teachers. However, picket lines were expected and parents should not expect school as usual, it said.

"We're hopeful that we can find a resolution as soon as possible," district spokesman John Sasaki said.