McKeesport teachers’ union votes down tentative contract agreement
The McKeesport Area Education Association announced Thursday that teachers voted 103-89 to turn down a tentative agreement with the school district.
The teachers’ union has been without an employment contract since August.
Union President Gerald McGrew says the stop-gap contract would’ve included new language but only provided a $1,500 raise for 100 teachers at the top of the pay scale.
>> McKeesport Area School District board votes to approve contract with teachers
“We understand the socioeconomic status of the area. We’re not asking for a million dollars. We’re asking for a reasonable amount,” McGrew said.
>> McKeesport Area teachers vote to authorize strike
This comes after the school board voted down a contract in August that called for raises between 3 and 6.5% over the next five years.
McGrew says a new business manager takes over for the district on Monday and an auditor is taking a closer look at how much the district can afford to pay.
“They have signed a deal with someone to audit their books and figure out their finances. We decided today that we will give them that time to try to get that together again,” McGrew said.
Last month the teachers union announced it authorized a strike.
They would have to give 48 hours’ notice to the district.
McGrew is still hopeful that won’t be necessary.
“We’re trying to do everything we can to avoid the strike because we’ve said it before, administration has said it, I feel that a strike solves nothing unless you absolutely have to do it,” McGrew said.
District leaders are hopeful, too.
School board member Joe Lopretto told Channel 11, in a statement, “I’m sure both sides will be getting back to the table to try and hash out a deal. ... I’m hoping that there is no interruption to the school year.”
Superintendent Dr. Tia Wanzo said, in part, “We are confident that with continued dialogue and a shared commitment to our mission, we can find a mutually agreeable solution.
McGrew is optimistic both sides can agree to, and ratify, a new deal in December before the holidays.
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