LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Teachers in the Hempfield School District could soon walk out of the job, after working more than 100 days without a contract.
On Wednesday, the Hempfield Education Association called a meeting to vote on authorizing a strike. This comes after negotiations between the teachers' union and Hempfield School Board fell through.
Last Tuesday, the union joined with students and community members to rally for a fair contract before the school board meeting.
Union president Tony Jannotta previously told FOX43 that he was worried the delay in forming a new contract would negatively impact teacher recruitment for the school district.
“Especially with teacher shortages, there aren’t as many people in the pool anymore," said Jannotta. "So we’re really looking to continue to have our excellent contracts so that we can recruit the excellent teachers that this community has come to expect.”
According to the Hempfield School District, teacher’s salaries and healthcare costs have remained the biggest sticking points during negotiations.
Under the latest HEA proposal on October 9, average salaries would increase by 3.63% over the next four years. The proposal also has healthcare contributions freezing at 11.5% over the lifetime of the contract.
The latest Hempfield School Board proposal from October 11 would see salaries increase by 3.25% and healthcare contributions increase to 12%, with a one percent increase over four years.
The Hempfield School District released the following statement before the union's vote:
"The school board recognizes that HEA is advocating for what they believe is necessary for their members. We understand their position, just as the School Board is working to fulfill its responsibility to ensure the long-term financial health and sustainability of the district.
Our goal is to reach a fair agreement that benefits both our educators and the community without the need for a strike. We strongly believe that a strike would have negative consequences for students, staff, and the community as a whole.
The Board remains committed to negotiating in good faith, and we are hopeful that we can come to a resolution with HEA before any disruptions occur."
If approved, the earliest the Hempfield teachers will be allowed to go on strike is Monday.