Teachers in one of Illinois’s largest school districts said they will strike Tuesday after contract talks between the Naperville Unit Education Association and District 203 broke down this week, potentially keeping more than 16,000 students out of classrooms, the Naperville Sun reports.
The union, which represents about 1,400 teachers and staff, announced the strike date after a rally at Monday’s board meeting and three days of negotiations failed to produce a new contract. Teachers have been working without an agreement since June 30.
Union President Ross Berkley said the latest proposal from the district was “a step backward,” especially on salary increases over the next four years. “We have always said a strike is our last resort,” he said in a statement. “However, after months of bargaining, overwhelming community support, and the board’s refusal to make meaningful progress, we have reached a point where we may have no other choice.”
District officials and union leaders have been negotiating since February, with help from a federal mediator. Both sides say they will meet again Friday in hopes of reaching a deal before Tuesday.
The union said it announced the strike date in advance to give families time to arrange childcare if schools close.