Westlake Teachers Vote to Strike

Westlake teachers voted to strike on Wednesday. One month ago, Westlake teachers rejected the Board's last best offer and on Monday, the board voted to enforce it. 

Union spokesperson, Loretta Tindall, told cleveland.com that the decision to strike was supported by an "overwhelming majority."

Now, after June 24th, no members of the teacher's union can participate in any Westlake school-related summer activities. Unless there is a settlement with the school board, the school year could start with teachers picketing.

Tindall described the possibility of teachers picketing at the beginning of the school year as "devastating" for the students, particularly new kindergartners. The next move is up to the board of education, she added.

"This is a difficult matter," Board President Carol Winter told cleveland.com. "We have a budget, and it is our responsibility to balance it while protecting education. The teachers union has failed to present us with any viable proposal given our financial situation."

See also:

• Westlake Teachers Urge School Board to Listen, Board Won't Negotiate in Public
• Westlake Teachers Threaten Strike
• Westlake Teachers to Vote on Board's Final Offer, Strike Possible
• Westlake Teacher's Union Rejects Board's Offer, Strike Looms

Westlake voters have said no to three levies, the most recent defeat last May. Board president Carol Winter has said that the community has sent a clear message, in her opinion. The board released a statement after the vote saying they were "deeply disappointed that the teachers union issued a notice to go on strike."

Winter could not be reached for comment immediately after the vote. But the board released a statement saying members were "deeply disappointed that the teachers union issued a notice to go on strike."

No negotiations are currently scheduled and unless a a settlement is reached over the summer, classes could begin on August 22nd with teachers picketing.

See Cleveland.com for more.