Still No Resolution In Waukegan As Teachers Strike Takes Toll On Community
(CBS) -- 17,000 students in the Waukegan area are on extended vacation because of teachers strike that's almost three weeks old. Both sides returned to the negotiating table on Wednesday but could not come up with a deal.
"The Board feels its current offer, which would provide salary increases in year one of 3.9 % and 5.75 % to teachers in Tiers 1and 2 respectively, while also providing 100 % fully-funded single premium health care coverage for the first two years of the new contract, is a fair one, and is one that would be financially sustainable. However, the Union remains steadfast to what they consider an "entitlement" to free single premium healthcare asking for the Board to finance coverage beyond the two years the Board has offered," school district spokesman Larry Larsen said in a statement.
Waukegan Teachers' Council's Kathy Schwarz fired back at the school district in a statement saying, " The District's side refused to discuss any proposals with us. Last night, they dropped off their last proposal and refused to answer any questions about it. Then they issued a statement to the public again filled with half-truths and snapshots of various proposals that do not tell the whole story."
Schwarz says the teachers invite the district to "break their self-imposed bargaining curfew of 6:00 PM and join us for a marathon session," but the district declined and negotiations ended for the day.
WBBM's Steve Miller reports the walkout is having a financial impact on parents, taxing social services and dividing the community. The Boys and Girls Club of Lake County has been inundated with children since the teachers strike started.
"Because we have a limited number of staff members, we've had to turn away lots of children and lots of families that have wanted to come but we thought it was important to support the kids who are club members first," said Cesilie Price, CEO of the Lake County Boys and Girls Club.
Price says they provide a place and three meals a day for 120 students who are not in school right now, ages 6-18. She says they have had to turn away about 50 families, many of whom cannot afford daycare for their children while their parents work.
For more information on the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County or to donate tot he club, visit bgclc.com.