Springfield Education Association looks to negotiate with district on COVID-19 sick leave
The union representing teachers at Springfield public schools has asked to enter negotiations with the school district over policy surrounding sick leave related to COVID-19.
This comes two days after Gov. JB Pritzker reached an agreement with Illinois' two statewide unions concerning the use of sick days.
Under the agreement announced by Pritzker, the Illinois Education Association and Illinois Federation of Teachers, school staff must be vaccinated in order to receive paid administrative leave when they or their child is exposed to COVID-19. Unvaccinated staff will have to use their normal sick days.
More: Lawmakers must pass bill after agreement reached on COVID-19 sick leave in schools
The Springfield Education Association, an affiliate of the Illinois Education Association, is arguing that member benefits should not hinge on vaccination status.
"SEA leadership supports the Governor and District 186’s efforts to increase vaccination rates, and the majority of SEA members are vaccinated against COVID," read a Wednesday statement from the union. "SEA does not, however, support treating our members’ benefits differently while all of our members have complied with the Governor’s executive order."
Currently, all staff and teachers in Springfield public schools are required to use sick days when they are required to quarantine due to COVID-19 or when they are caring for a child exposed to the virus, according to District 186 Superintendent Jennifer Gill.
The school district received the union's request for impact bargaining Wednesday morning.
"At this time, COVID leave time is in a new bill that has not been voted upon in the legislature or signed into law," said Gill in a Wednesday statement. "We intend to listen to SEA's proposals as we have through this COVID crisis over the last two years."
Gill added that the district does not discuss terms or discussions related to bargaining until an agreement is reached.
Pritzker on Monday vetoed a bill that passed with bipartisan support that would have provided paid administrative leave to school staff affected by COVID if they are vaccinated or if they are regularly tested for COVID-19. The agreement Pritzker arrived at with Illinois' statewide teachers' unions is not in effect and needs to be approved by state lawmakers.
The SEA says sick days are "essential" to their members.
"In order for our members to give birth, care for their families, and protect their physical and mental health in the coming school years, our days used as a direct result of COVID need to be returned to all of our members. SEA stands united in fighting to protect these days for all members," read the union's statement.
Contact Andrew Adams: aadams1@gannett.com; (312)-291-1417; twitter.com/drewjayadams.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Springfield IL teachers union wants to negotiate on COVID sick leave
