Highlands Teachers On Strike After Negotiations Failed

Highlands School District teachers went on strike after union attempts at bargaining with school district failed. No contract was drafted anew compelling teachers to walk off and put a halt to school operations.

Salary Raise

Teachers at Highlands School District have been asking for a raise. They said that they are the least paid teachers in the area. Counselors, social workers and nurses joined Highland teachers at the picket line, bringing the number to 191 strikers.

CBS Local reported that the strike could last for eight days if both union and administration don't reach an agreement. Both parties went through arduous negotiations for the past 16 months but weren't able to meet halfway.

According to Alisa Murray, Pennsylvania State Education Association union representative, "We're asking for a raise, certainly we're willing to negotiate with the district on health care contributions." She added, "However, our teachers at the top of the salary schedule are in the bottom five in Allegheny County, in terms of their pay."

No Other Alternatives

Some Highlands teachers who joined the strike did so with a sad heart. They also didn't want to hamper the learning process of the students but they were left with no other option.

Terry McKrisky, a teacher at Highlands District for 36 years said, "I think it's very unfortunate that it has come to this." She said that she feels bad for the kids at Highlands District. She added that the kids need a good teacher and she believes that they were doing a great job as teachers.

Post Gazette mentioned that the school district posted an announcement on its website that a "teacher work stoppage" resulted into the closing of the school on April 13. The teachers then set up picket lines.

Negotiations Ongoing

Reports have it that the last negotiations between the union and the district went on for five hours. However, when the union tried to submit a proposal to the district, the latter was not so agreeable causing them to walk out. The situation was the catalyst that triggered the Highlands teachers strike.

Officials from the district said that despite the strike, Partial Program students, Forbes Road CTC students and seniors should report to school. There are approximately 2,600 students in the district and the strike may create a huge impact on students.