Blue Ridge teachers prepare for possible strike

classroom kids
The union representing teachers in Blue Ridge Community Unit District 18 are forming a strike exploratory committee because they’re not happy with progress in contract negotiations with the school board. (Pixabay)

 

By Howard Packowitz

FARMER CITY – The union representing teachers in Blue Ridge Community Unit District 18 is taking initial steps toward calling a strike.

Teachers in the district serving Farmer City, Mansfield, and Bellflower voted overwhelmingly Sunday night to form a strike exploratory committee because they’re not satisfied with the status of contract negotiations, according to a statement released by Blue Ridge Federation of Teachers President Don Anton.

Union members said they were surprised and disappointed with the school board’s latest proposal. The two sides have reportedly met for one mediated session, and they’re scheduled to meet again September 24.

Anton said in the statement that the exploratory committee will help the union plan how to best execute a strike and support members who would face financial hardships by a walkout.

The union said in a statement that the board seems unwilling to help stop high turnover among Blue Ridge staff.

“Relationships are the cornerstone of a successful school experience for our kids. When students see new staff year in and year out, it is a step back for them. Our schools work much better when kids can form lasting relationships with drivers, cooks, secretaries, teachers, and other staff,” Anton said in a statement released late Sunday night.

“It’s critical that our kids have a trusted adult they can turn to for help whether they are struggling with homework, dealing with a social or emotional issue or just need someone they know they can count on. We want an agreement that allows us to foster those relationships and provide the high quality education that all kids deserve,” Anton said.

Blue Ridge Superintendent Susan Wilson was not immediately available for comment.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

 

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…