UPDATE: Bennington area teachers have authorized a strike to begin October 19 unless something changes in the negotiations.
Bennington area teachers, in a second year working without a contract, will meet tomorrow at the Mount Anthony Middle School on East Street in Bennington for a strike vote, the results of which will be announced at a 5:30 press conference on Wednesday following the closed-door rank-and-file meeting. According to the press release from the Vermont NEA, the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union school board has refused to continue negotiations, prompting the vote to decide whether or not to go on strike.
From the press release:
Teachers stand ready to stay at the bargaining table until a deal is reached. Last week’s negotiating session ended after the boards refused to even discuss – or read – the union’s latest contract proposal.
Vermont NEA must be taking its timing guidance from VSEA. There never is a good time, but there always is a bad time. This is that time.
Even in a post-Irene climate, I support the right of these teachers to strike for what they believe they deserve. No one bats an eye when NBA or NFL players threaten to walk. No, these are American icons. They deserve their contracts. Teachers and state employees? Not so much. Private contractors working for the state of Vermont? Oh, they deserve their contracts. Teachers and state employees? Not so much. My credit card company’s “contract” with me? Got to pay the man. Teachers and state employees? Not so much.
We do live in a very hypocritical world, and as long as the masses buy the hype, the cycle will continue. Bummer.
How is it a negotiation when one side makes a unilateral demand and refuses to hear any counter-proposal?
I am with the teachers 100%. It is the school board that is forcing this strike, not the union.