Updated on Friday, Sept. 18 at 11:37 a.m. CT
MAHOMET — Members of the Mahomet-Seymour Education Association have voted to authorize a potential strike over stalled contract negotiations.
The Mahomet-Seymour school district said Thursday it has offered 5% pay increases in year 1 and 2 of a new contract that would apply to teachers, custodians, bus drivers and other workers.
In a statement, spokesperson for the union Cam Zindars said the group voted “overwhelmingly” to give itself the option to strike .
“This vote gives the bargaining team the authority to call a strike if and when they deem it necessary,” Zindars said. “At this point, we do not have plans to go on strike, we and are still hopeful we can reach an agreement with the Board of Education.
“We are willing, however, to do whatever it takes to make sure we have the best contract for our students, staff and community. We also want parents to know, should we decide we have no alternative but to go on strike, we will give them as much time as possible to make arrangements for their students.”
If the union decides to go on strike, it would be required to notify the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board at least 10 days beforehand.
MAHOMET— The Mahomet-Seymour Education Association (MSEA) said it plans to vote Thursday on whether to authorize a strike over contract negotiations with the school district
The union representing teachers and staff said in a Facebook post Wednesday that it does not currently have plans to go on strike, but the vote would allow the union to do so if they deem it necessary.
The Mahomet-Seymour school district warned in a Tuesday news release that its schools will be forced and extracurricular activities would also be canceled if the MSEA opts to go on strike.
The union said it has given a counter proposal to the district’s final offer and is waiting for a response.
“The proposal was a two-year contract that we believe was a sincere attempt at resolving contract negotiations,” the statement said.
The MSEA said the district has lost many excellent teachers to other school districts “because the pay here is not enough.”
District officials said they will provide updates through the Mahomet-Seymour CUSD #3 website, social media platforms, and ParentSquare communications if a strike does occur.
“The Board sincerely hopes a strike can be averted and will continue its efforts to work with the MSEA toward a fair settlement for employees and the community,” the district said.