YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – We are less than a week from a possible strike from the Youngstown Educational Association. Negotiations continue though to reach a deal with the school board.
On Saturday, union members held a rally at Rayen Early College at noon. Members of the YEA and supporters wore red T-shirts and held up signs demanding contract rights.
“We’re not just here as teachers trying to get a contract, we’re here for our students. We want a good deal for our community, our students and our staff,” said YEA spokesman Jim Courim.
Both sides plan to meet again Monday morning. They talked for hours Friday morning, trying to reach a deal.
The school board held a special meeting at 4 p.m. on Friday but no action was taken. Before the meeting, around 300 teachers chanted and waited to hear what would come from the meeting.
Courim says contract language continues to be the main issue, though he wouldn’t be more specific.
“We want to see these adjustments made and it seems like the district is not as willing to negotiate those points,” he said.
Youngstown Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor released this statement Friday afternoon, “We had what we believed were two days of progress, but we are still not at a deal. We look forward to continuing talks on Monday morning.”
A union spokesperson said members will vote Monday at 5 p.m. whether to strike.
School starts for Youngstown City Schools this Wednesday.
