Valley View Union Submits Intent To Strike

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Valley View Council Local 604 has submitted their 10-day intent to strike notice with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, according to a release from the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

The union, which represents 1,800 employees at the District, voted to authorize a strike last week; with 95.97 percent of more than 91 percent of members voting "yes" to authorize the strike.

The earliest strike date is Sept. 15, according to a release.

“Over the past month, we’ve seen the district post several updates online, but nothing has changed at the bargaining table,” Valley View Council President Jared Ploger said in a release. “Starting the school day earlier is not the way to give our students the support they need. Parents know that. Students know that. And our members know that — as made evident by our vote last week. The Board is failing our students if they push a strike over this issue.”

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"The disrespect has gone on long enough. Our students deserve a district that puts their needs first. If the Board won’t commit to that, our staff will," Ploger said.

Compensation is another issue that has yet to be agreed upon in the new contract. The union maintains that the district’s offer does little to support staff retention and to keep Valley View on par with comparable districts, according to a release.

Contract negotiations have been taking place since January, but an impasse was declared in July. No further mediation dates are set.