Teachers Union: 'No Progress Made' at Bargaining Session Thursday

The District 155 teachers union reports no progress was made Thursday night during a bargaining session with the District 155 negotiating team. 

In a news release issued Thursday, District 155 Education Association president Justin Hubly said the negotiation session was unsuccessful and the two sides are scheduled to meet again Dec. 16. 

"After the unsuccessful bargaining session tonight, the (District 155) Board requested more dates before December 16, knowing full well that members of the Association's team (the teachers) had prior commitments to athletic and performing arts programs," Hubly said. 

Hubly said the District 155 Board requested the teachers union's negotiation team cancel scheduled commitments with students in order conduct more bargaining sessions.  

The District 155 Board could not be reached for comment Thursday. Patch will update this article if the board issues a response. 

In the news release Hubly stated the following: 

"For the record, the Association approached the Board to begin negotiations in December 2012. The Association even offered to meet over winter break 2012, which we have done in the past.

The Board declined because they were in the process of hiring a large number of new administrators. The Association wanted to start early so that it would have a contract in place for the start of the school year. The Board finally notified the Association in March 2013 that it was ready to begin bargaining.  The negotiations continued for three sessions over the summer.

The Association bargaining team offered additional dates including Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays. The Board's team declined.  When the school year started without a contract, the Association bargaining team, made up of teachers who volunteer their time, committed to not allow the negotiation process to take time away from students. 

December 16 was the next available date for the team."

"We hope the public understands that our responsibilities with students come first," Hubly said.  "The Association remains committed to reaching an Agreement as soon as possible without affecting students."

The District 155 Education Association has 440 members, representing certified staff members are Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South, Prairie Ridge High Schools, and the District’s alternative education program at Haber Oaks Campus.