Deerfield Teachers Picket Amid Stalled Contract Talks
DEERFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- Despite presence of a federal mediator, Deerfield teachers have been picketing School District 109 headquarters this week to apply some pressure to the board of education.
Teachers have been working without a contract this year and there's been no resolution of contract talks, which started back in April.
The north suburban school district has 285 teachers with an average salary of $51,000.
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Illinois Education Association spokesman Mark Stein says there are serious issues besides money. He says teachers want to retain a contract provision requiring they be notified and told how to improve before they receive an unsatisfactory performance rating.
The teachers have been picketing in front of District 109 Headquarters at 520 Deerfield Rd. in north suburban Deerfield. Stein says the picket line is just to increase pressure for a settlement.
Stein says there's no strike imminent and none likely until after the new year.
Steins says there are only two negotiating sessions currently scheduled.