Teachers and other union employees in the Blue Ridge School District have voted to strike unless the union and the board reach a contract agreement. (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)
By Howard Packowitz
FARMER CITY – The union representing teachers and other employees in the Blue Ridge School District has voted to strike if negotiations fail to produce a contract agreement by the end of the month.
The Blue Ridge Federation of Teachers put out a news release Sunday night saying October 28 is the earliest date that the union could legally walk off their jobs.
The union’s strike vote came three days before the third scheduled negotiating session with a federal mediator, set for Wednesday.
The two sides are said to be far apart on salary, length of contract, and the district’s contributions to offset employees’ health insurance premiums.
In a statement, Federation President Don Anton said his members want to reach a deal, but “our collective patience is running thin.”
“The Board needs to understand that time is running out,” Anton said.
The two sides have been negotiating since February.
The federation represents about 110 employees, including teachers, aides, counselors, library clerks, secretaries, custodians, and bus drivers.
The Blue Ridge district operates three schools serving students in Farmer City, Mansfield, and Bellflower.
Superintendent Susan Wilson was not immediately available for comment.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
