Parents Demand D146 Leaders Finalize Teacher Contract Agreement

Contract Negotiations Hit Roadblock, Teachers Prepare for Strike

As contract negotiations between District 146 teachers and district officials continue to face challenges, the possibility of a strike looms large. This has led to growing concerns among parents who are urging district leadership to find a resolution and prevent disruptions to the school year.

Last week, educators voted in favor of striking if no agreement is reached on a new contract. According to the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the earliest possible date for a strike could be September 22. The certified teaching staff have officially submitted their Intent to Strike paperwork with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. A vote by members of Tinley Council of Local 604, IFT/AFT, showed overwhelming support, with 230 out of 232 members voting in favor—99% of the total.

The announcement followed a rally held by teachers ahead of a Board of Education meeting. Since February, negotiations between the District 146 Educators Council (Local 604) and the district’s board of education have been ongoing. Over the past six months, the parties have met ten times, including two sessions with a federal mediator. The most recent contract, which covered approximately 246 teachers, expired on July 31.

Compensation and retirement benefits remain central to the bargaining discussions. In a statement, District 146 officials mentioned that they have made multiple new offers to the union since the Sept. 8 meeting. Their latest proposal includes a 6% raise for each of the next three years, with the current retirement incentive now available as a benefit with a 10-year eligibility window. However, the union's counteroffer still requests a 7% raise over the same period.

Dr. Jeff Stawick, Superintendent of District 146, expressed surprise at the current impasse. "Given that the raises offered by the Board are the highest we’ve seen and higher than any shared by the union, we are surprised and disappointed to be at this point," he said. "However, we remain committed to finding a solution that benefits both the teachers and the taxpayers and minimizes the educational disruption for our students."

Parents are also voicing their concerns about the potential impact of a strike. Many believe that teachers deserve fair compensation for their work. One parent wrote on social media, "They're a great group of educators who need and deserve a fair contract." Another added, "Our family wholeheartedly supports district 146 teachers. They go above and beyond everyday."

Another parent expressed disappointment with the school board, stating, "As a parent of 146 students, I’m surprised and disappointed our school board won’t give the teachers what they need to be successful and compensated fairly." An anonymous parent sent a letter to the superintendent, highlighting the financial implications of the negotiations.

In the letter, the parent pointed out that the district's refusal to provide reasonable raises could lead to long-term consequences. "Had the board provided the 6% increases previously, our teachers would not need to ask for an increase over 6% today to recoup the past years’ underpayment," the parent wrote. "It would be unconscionable to think paying a teacher a fair wage is penalized."

District 146 Educators Council President Eileen Von Borstel emphasized that the current contract places limitations on retaining experienced teachers. She stated, "Teaching should be a full-time job that earns full-time pay, but more than half of us have to work second and third jobs." She added that without a fair contract, working conditions for teachers will negatively affect student learning.

Although the teachers' vote does not guarantee a strike, it shows strong support for the union's position. The IFT noted that the negotiating team has the backing of its members to call a strike if no agreement is reached.

As the situation continues to unfold, the community remains divided, with many hoping for a swift resolution to avoid further disruption. Parents and educators alike are calling for a fair deal that ensures stability for both teachers and students.