Published: August 25, 2008 01:26 pm            

Altamont teachers file intent to strike

ALTAMONT — Class scheduling and economic issues, along with a lack of direct negotiations between the Altamont Education Association and Altamont Unit 10 Board of Education, were cited by the teacher’s union as reasons prompting Altamont’s teachers to give a formal intent to strike notice.

“We are very disappointed that negotiations have bogged down,” said AEA President Cheryl Jackman in a press release this morning. “Our teachers are seeking a fair, affordable contract that keeps up with inflation. We’re being forced into this action by a board that is not willing to offer a fair contract or even sit down with us.”

The union claims in its press release the intent to strike was issued after a federal mediation session “in which the board was unwilling to negotiate directly with the association.” The teachers’ contract expired Aug. 15.

The press release states filing the notice doesn’t mean a strike is imminent, but under Illinois law, the notice must be filed with the labor board at least 10 days prior to school employees going on strike.

“This was a surprise to us this morning,” said Altamont Unit 10 Superintendent Jeff Fritchtnitch. “We are still in the bargaining process to find a solution that is acceptable from the board and the teachers’ perspective.”

While the AEA cited the school board’s unwillingness “to negotiate directly with the Association,” Fritchtnitch sees the negotiations in a different light.

“We have a federal mediator that is assigned to us that has met with both parties,” said Fritchtnitch. “We aren’t in separate rooms on anything. We have met with the AEA face-to-face and progress has been made.”

According to the press release, this is the second time in three years the AEA has worked without a contract.

Progress now has a time limit and a potential strike could come after 10 days.

Fritchtnitch said the AEA’s action now “puts a time frame on negotiations.”

While Fritchtnitch would not comment on the nature of the contract dispute, the press release from the union states key items bogging down negotiations are class scheduling and economic issues.

Jackman points out in the press release the Altamont School District has been rated in the highest financial category possible by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Fritchtnitch is optimistic for progress will be made in planned future meetings, and the AEA contends it is “willing to meet with the board to productively and in good faith negotiate a fair contract in order to avoid an escalation of the situation, which could result in a work stoppage.”

Tony Huffman can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 135 or tony.huffman@effinghamdailynews.com.