TAMPA, Fla. (WTSP) – After six months of unsuccessful negotiations with Hillsborough County schools, the teachers’ union announced it has declared impasse.
A special magistrate will be asked to hear the case, as the union says it does not believe the district is negotiating in good faith.
The Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association says it has been 25 years since the union has declared impasse.
The two sides can continue to bargain, and the union says it does hope to make progress. Meantime, HCTA is asking teachers to work-to-contract as best they can without letting students down.
A district official responded to the impasse declaration with the following:We recognize this has been a challenging time during our bargaining sessions. We understand this is a decision the Classroom Teachers’ Association has made. Union representatives have told us that this is about more than money and we have taken that seriously. We have already begun meeting and working with teachers through the union to address their concerns. That collaboration will not stop. We will continue to work with the union in an effort to arrive at an overall agreement.The next school board meeting will be January 23. Teachers are expected to be there in full force.
Emerald Morrow is a reporter with 10News WTSP. Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. You can also email her at emorrow@wtsp.com.
