ROCKFORD (WREX) -
Rock Valley College and the school's faculty union compromise on a labor agreement. "It's been difficult but we are happy to announce a tentative agreement," says RVC's lead negotiator, Joe Perkoski.
After several hours of negotiations Wednesday night, both sides came out from behind closed doors at about 10:20pm with the announcement. They won't release details of the deal until the board and union members review the contract. That could take roughly a week. Negotiators from both sides say after months of talks they're relieved to have this tentative agreement.
"Both sides are walking away from this happy that this stage is over but maybe hurting a little and that's a sign of a good negotiation, where both sides gave, but it's taken a long time," says Faculty Union President, Tom Alisankus.
Word of the deal avoids a possible strike - the first in Rock Valley College history. Teachers filed their intent to walk out Tuesday. That means a strike could have happened by February 24th.
RVC released a statement late Wednesday saying, "the terms of the tentative agreement must be considered and ratified by the Faculty Association, and then approved by the Board of Trustees. We anticipate the process will take approximately fourteen days. Classes remain in session as scheduled."
We'll release details of the contract when we get them here at www.wrex.com and on 13News.
