Still no end to District 15 support staff strike after day and night of talks

An all-day and -night bargaining session between the support staff union and Palatine Township Elementary District 15 ended without an agreement, and no new negotiations have been scheduled.

Friday marked the 10th day of the walkout for the 454 secretaries, clerical workers, nurses and classroom aides in the Educational Support Personnel Association, the local union affiliated with the Illinois Education Association.

Bridget Shanahan, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Education Association, confirmed early this morning that the long day of talks failed to result in a deal.

The negotiations were overseen by a federal mediator at District 15 headquarters in Palatine.

According to the latest public document, District 15 was offering a five-year contract with a 1.85 percent increase in each of the first two years, and 1.85 percent to 2.25 percent annually for the three-year balance to coincide with the applicable tax cap.

The union was seeking a 2.5 percent annual wage hike in each year of a five-year deal.

The union also has sought continuation of a $9,000-per-employee retirement benefit.

Under the previous deal, pay ranged from $11.30 an hour to $37.76 per hour, depending on the job and years of employment. Other compensation included full benefits for working 5½ hours per day and a roughly 10 percent district-paid contribution to each employee's pension plan.

Talks on a new deal began in February. The employees have been without a contract since July 1.