Teachers in the Naperville School District 203 are preparing to go on strike on Tuesday after negotiations for a new contract stalled. The announcement was made by the Naperville Unit Education Association (NUEA) following three bargaining sessions this week that failed to yield an agreement.
In a statement released on Thursday night, NUEA President Ross Berkley expressed disappointment with the school board’s latest proposal, describing it as a significant setback. “We have always said a strike is our last resort,” Berkley stated. “However, after months of bargaining, overwhelming community support, and the board’s refusal to make meaningful progress, we have reached a point where we may have no other choice. As a result, we have set our official strike date.”
The decision to strike follows the union’s third bargaining session of the week, which ended without an agreement. Berkley emphasized the importance of giving parents ample time to prepare for the strike, stating the union represents over 1,500 teachers and licensed staff who have been working without a contract since June 30, 2023. Negotiations began in February.
The NUEA has made it clear that teachers will proceed with the strike on Tuesday unless the school board revises its proposal to offer a fair agreement that “values educators, supports our students, and provides the stability our community deserves.” Berkley highlighted concerns that the current proposal significantly undercuts previous base salary offers.
On August 13, 2023, union members voted to authorize a strike, a necessary legal step before a walkout can occur. The union has rallied support from teachers, parents, and students during board meetings, advocating for a new contract. During a meeting on Monday, the emotional testimonies of supporters lasted over two hours, reflecting the community’s backing for the teachers.
Despite the impending strike, negotiations are still ongoing. Both parties are working with a federal mediator and are scheduled to meet again on Friday. District officials have reaffirmed their commitment to good-faith negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement that is equitable for both educators and taxpayers.
Board President Charles Cush previously conveyed in a video message that the union’s demands may not be financially feasible, asserting that the board’s offer would position the district’s teachers among the highest compensated in the region.
In a statement on Thursday night, District 203 officials reiterated their focus on students, emphasizing the importance of keeping schools open. “Our top priority remains our students and keeping them in classrooms,” Cush stated in a district news release. “We are committed to moving forward together. The strength of our district has always come from the unity between our educators and our community, and we are dedicated to preserving that.”
As the strike date approaches, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that would avoid disruption to the school year.
