Valley View Council Sets Strike Date

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Valley View Council, which represents teachers and staff in Valley View School District, has set a strike date of Sept. 18, union President Jared Ploger said at a rally on Monday.

“This has gone on long enough. We have put forth a responsible proposal. We have bargained in good faith. At this point, the Valley View Board of Education leaves us with no other choice but to set a strike date," Ploger said at a rally held Monday in support of Valley View's teacher and staff.

An impasse in the negotiations was declared by the union in July. Valley View Council has since held a vote to authorize a strike, which was approved with 95.97 percent of more than 91 percent of members voting "yes" to authorize the strike. The union also filed notice of their intent to strike with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board.

“The Board refuses to budge on their proposal for an earlier start time for high schoolers and ignores what our members know to be true: it’s not in the best interest of our students or our district. And tonight, again, the community has made their stance clear – they stand with staff," Ploger said.

Valley View School District said Friday that if a strike were to occur, the District would likely not be able to hold school with student attendance due to lack of sufficient personnel.

“A strike is never our goal. It’s always a last resort. But we are rapidly approaching that point. The Board of Education must come back to the table ready to work towards a fair contract – one that puts students first. Our members are united, and we will stand strong," Ploger said.

The two sides will meet at the bargaining table on Tuesday.