The Carbondale Education Association filed an intent to strike notice with the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board today, according to a release by the Illinois Education Association.  

The union could strike within 10 calendar days. The earliest they could walk is on Friday, October 4. The current contract expired on Aug. 11.

“We are filing our intent to strike because we want to send a clear message,” Melissa Norman, CEA President, said. “We will not accept anything less than ensuring our students are learning in a safe environment.”

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According to a press release, the union requested to begin bargaining for a fair contract in March, but the board did not meet with them until June. 

Norman said this is an issue of safety. 

“We have had this conversation with District 95 several times, but turnover within the administration has made it impossible to guarantee consistency when it comes to students’ safety,” Norman said. 

According to a press release, there are still some major issues that need to be resolved at the bargaining table.  

One of those issues is to ensure students have a safe and orderly learning environment. The other issue is a competitive salary. 

The CEA said they want to keep salaries competitive with neighboring districts without raising taxes.  

Staff reporter Bethany Rentfro can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @BethanyRentfro

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