SEBRING Union vote gives authorization for strike notice

Teachers have been working without a contract since Aug. 31.
SEBRING -- The 59-member Sebring Local Education Association has given its negotiations team authorization to issue a strike notice to the Sebring Board of Education.
Members voted Tuesday with Ohio Education Association representatives in attendance to answer questions, said JoAnn Jones, SLEA spokeswoman.
Negotiations between the SLEA and the school board began May 16. Impasse was declared July 26, and the contract expired Aug. 31.
"It is difficult to imagine how the district would benefit from a strike," said Jones.
"We are eager to resolve the stalemate, but not so eager that we are willing to settle for less than a fair and equitable agreement."
The union vote gives the teachers' negotiating team authority to issue a strike notice at any time. However, an additional vote of the membership is required before a strike could occur.
The board and the SLEA are working with a federal mediator in an attempt to achieve a reasonable settlement, Jones said.
"We have been very patient, but this has gone on way too long," Jones said.
"Clearly, it's time for the board to make us a fair offer to end this."