Intent to strike vote approved
Updated: October 4, 2012
Update: 4:49 pm
CHAMPAIGN -- Public school teachers are threatening to go on strike. Their message to the district? They want better pay.
Both sides have been at the bargaining table since April. The Champaign Federation for Teachers represents more than 800-teachers in the district. Union leaders say the vote to strike if necessary was overwhelming. They say negotiations aren't moving at the pace they want them to.
Teachers have been working nearly four months without a contract. Most issues have been worked out, but the last stumbling block is pay. District leaders say they have "no comment." But, in the past, they've said they were disappointed the teachers would think about a strike.
Both sides go back to the negotiation table in two weeks. In the last contract, teachers agreed to a salary freeze. They want to see that changed this time.
Original: 11:12 am
CHAMPAIGN -- The Champaign Federation of Teachers met Tuesday at Centennial High School to take a strike authorization vote. The president of the union says members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, but at this time no date has been set.
Union leaders say they're still hopeful they can reach a settlement with the school board. Bargaining began in April when the board asked the union to consider presenting a one-year proposal because of the economy. Despite both sides presenting proposals, negotiations went to mediation in August.
The federation represents more than 800-teachers in Unit 4 schools.
CHAMPAIGN -- Public school teachers are threatening to go on strike. Their message to the district? They want better pay.
Both sides have been at the bargaining table since April. The Champaign Federation for Teachers represents more than 800-teachers in the district. Union leaders say the vote to strike if necessary was overwhelming. They say negotiations aren't moving at the pace they want them to.
Teachers have been working nearly four months without a contract. Most issues have been worked out, but the last stumbling block is pay. District leaders say they have "no comment." But, in the past, they've said they were disappointed the teachers would think about a strike.
Both sides go back to the negotiation table in two weeks. In the last contract, teachers agreed to a salary freeze. They want to see that changed this time.
Original: 11:12 am
CHAMPAIGN -- The Champaign Federation of Teachers met Tuesday at Centennial High School to take a strike authorization vote. The president of the union says members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, but at this time no date has been set.
Union leaders say they're still hopeful they can reach a settlement with the school board. Bargaining began in April when the board asked the union to consider presenting a one-year proposal because of the economy. Despite both sides presenting proposals, negotiations went to mediation in August.
The federation represents more than 800-teachers in Unit 4 schools.
