ROCKFORD (WREX) -
Rockford teachers vote overwhelmingly to authorize their negotiating team to declare an impasse in negotiations with District 205's School Board.
It was about a 10 to 1 margin. More than a thousand teachers voted. An impasse effectively says the school board isn't doing enough to make negotiations work. Union members feel if it continues this way there could be another vote soon to strike.
For members of the teachers union this meeting's about solidarity.
"We full give them the right to go ahead with this process going to an impasse or calling a strike," said teacher Scott Suma.
Teachers tell me they understand who's really going to suffer if they go on strike.
"The last thing teachers want to do is strike it's going to disrupt the lives of our students and first and foremost the priority are our students," said Suma.
One teacher says they're standing up for the value of their work. She hopes students see it their way.
"They need to understand that the teachers need to eat too. I have children. I've lived here my whole life. I've spent a lot of money here and I want to continue to put money on the table for my kids," said teacher Nicole Gasparini.
REA President Karen Bieschke describes teachers as being tired of what's going on.
"Teachers are really getting frustrated with the progress, or lack of progress and they really want a fair and equitable contract to other ones in the area," said Bieschke.
Bieschke adds there are many major sticking points including healthcare, pension, salary and working conditions are the key components.
Right now there is not date set for a strike and teachers will be back in negotiations with the school board Friday.
A spokesman referred 13 NEWS to the district's lawyer, Tom Mandler. We didn't hear back from him tonight, but earlier this afternoon before the vote, he told 13 NEWS he had no response to the teacher's meeting. Adding, District negotiators will continue to bargain in good faith.
