In my system what happens is a contract is negotiated for a period of time. During this period of time we agree to not strike. Once the contract ends we can strike. In 20 years in my system I have never experienced a situation in which a new contract was negotiated before the old contract ended. While we negotiate for a new contract, and after the old contract has expired, we can strike. Don’t know if things are different in Washington but I doubt there is a blanket ban, in all possible circumstances, on striking.

Don't know anyone elected in WA state without the teachers' union endorsement.

The police, on the other hand, got drastically defunded.