District 158 teachers authorize strike; union says it has 'no plans to'

Teachers in Huntley Unit District 158 have voted to authorize a strike, but the union said it has "no plans to strike."

Today is the first day teachers can go on strike; they returned to work Thursday. Students are scheduled to return on Monday. The school board discussed the union's latest offer during a closed meeting Thursday.

More than 20 teachers wearing union T-shirts held up pro-teacher signs outside Thursday's board meeting.

"They're not picketing," union co-president Julie Hunter said. "We want the board to know that the membership is 100 percent behind us."

As the pressure mounts on the sides to reach a deal, local residents expressed their frustration with the delay at Thursday's board meeting.

Huntley resident Don Bond admonished the district not to grant any additional concessions to teachers.

"How much is it going to cost for this contract?" he said. "I don't think there should be anything added on."

Former United Airlines employee Tom Conley said the district would face dire consequences if it didn't treat its teachers fairly.

"If you start putting out half-truths and lies - they'll march on a picket line in 4 feet of snow before they come back to this district," Conley said.

Teachers voted Wednesday to reject what the district called its "best, last and final" offer, which would give most teachers a 5.25 percent pay raise in the first year and tie further raises to inflation.

The district and the union were confident they would be able to reach a deal soon.

"As long as the two parties continue talks, we'll be able to reach an agreement," union spokeswoman Britt Crowe said.

But with the first day of classes just three days away, school officials are on alert.

"I think it's definitely a possibility that there could be a strike at some point, sure," Superintendent John Burkey said Wednesday.

If teachers go on strike, it could be the first time in the district's history. The district has no record of teachers striking in at least 25 years.

The union's latest offer would give most teachers a 6 percent pay raise in the first year and 3.5 percent increases for two years after that.

The retirement benefits pool for all teachers would increase by more than $19,000, or 6 percent, in the first year; by more than $691,000, or 200 percent, in the second year; and by more than $343,000, or 33 percent, in the third year.

The union has also asked for an increase in family health insurance coverage.

A copy of the union's latest offer is available on the district's Web site at www.d158.k12.il.us/heanegotiations.