Members of the D-144 Education Association ratified a new three-year agreement Monday, ending a teacher strike that began on Dec. 3. As of Tuesday morning, school is back in session in the south suburban Chicago district.
The new agreement effectively maintains or improves health insurance coverage, retirement benefits, tax-sheltered annuities, leaves, class sizes, pay for workshops and other items that had been in dispute.
“We are all very proud that we stood tall for the students, the community and ourselves,” said Association Spokesperson Michele Gallagher. “We say thank you to all the parents, the community and to the IEA family for the tremendous support we received.”
Association negotiators said the Board of Education has yet to schedule its ratification meeting.
Illinois Education Association is an association of more than 130,000 members composed of Illinois elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty and staff, educational support professionals, retired educators and college students preparing to become teachers.
Thank GOD! I am tired of playing teacher. I hope both sides are happy.
Congratulations! My District has been barginning since June with no end in sight. Our supt is now meeting with team members individually to wear us down. Teachers truly don’t want to put Districts in financial jepordy, but we can’t work for nothing. Once again, congratulations and truly Happy Holidays