Champaign Teachers Union Moves Closer To Strike

The union representing teachers in the Champaign School District outlined some of its next steps, a day after its members voted to authorize a strike.

The Champaign Federation of Teachers and the Unit 4 school district have been in contract talks for the last few months, but have not been able to get past several key issues, including salaries and working conditions. The union said it has notified the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board that it is starting the 28-day process before it can legally go on strike, but the union said the earliest a strike could happen is Oct. 18.

The school district and the union continue contract negotiations next week with a federal mediator.

"Our top priority is still to reach a fair compromise with the board," Union President Cathy Mannen said. "We will stay as long as it takes and do everything we can to try and make that happen."