Westlake Teacher's Union Rejects Board's Offer, Strike Looms

On Friday, Westlake teachers rejected the Board of Education's final offer by a vote of 247-12. The union says that the ball is now in the board's court.

A federal mediator has called for both sides to meet at the bargaining table on May 24th; the teachers have accepted the invitation and it's not known what the board's decision is yet, reports Cleveland 19 News.

Westlake teachers have not voted to strike -- yet. Teachers Association spokesperson, Loretta Tindall told Cleveland 19 News:

“We have taken two concessionary contracts. Teachers cannot afford to take another contract that forces them to lose money.”

Teachers have been working without a contract and say that they need raises to compensate for pay cuts and healthcare costs incurred from the last contract.

The Teachers Association has drafted a pledge that they are hoping the Board of Education will agree to, saying the pledge could prevent a strike by bringing both sides back to the bargaining table.

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Furthermore, Tindall says the salaries are no longer competitive, “If you look at starting salaries and ending salaries, Westlake is no longer competitive with neighboring districts. Starting salaries have been frozen. So teachers who have the opportunity, once they graduate college are not looking at Westlake as a place to go.”

Westlake Schools released a statement (see below) saying that the teachers are the 12th highest paid in the state at an average of $74,000 per year. The Board is standing behind their last and final offer saying that if they increased salaries and benefits to what the teachers requested, they would not be able to balance the budget.

Tindall remains hopeful, “We sincerely hope they come back to the table.”

The Westlake Board of Education plans to meet on May 23rd to discuss the pledge. The final day of school is June 8th in Westlake.