suntimes

Teachers go on strike in West Chicago

-- SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE February 4, 2013 5:08AM

Updated: February 4, 2013 5:29AM



(WEST CHICAGO) More than 4,000 students in West Chicago will not be in class Monday as teachers go on strike after months of negotiating with district officials.

The main sticking points between the teachers union and officials with West Chicago Elementary School District 33 have been salaries and health insurance premiums. School officials have said budgetary restrictions will force them to place a cap on how much it pays for health insurance.

While classes have been cancelled Monday, two care centers will remain open for students who have registered, according to a message posted on the district’s website.

The district employs 282 certified staff members and oversees six elementary schools, a preschool and a middle school.

Union and district officials have been negotiating for more than 17 months.




© 2011 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.
Special Home Delivery Offer