Peters school district to resume discussion with union Nov. 6
The mediator in the Peters Township School District teacher’s strike has set 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6 at the Bureau of Mediation, located Downtown Pittsburgh, for both sides return to the negotiating table and hopefully come up with a new contract.
The district’s 285 teachers walked off the their jobs Oct. 28 after failing to come up with a new contract following 17 negotiating sessions. The teachers, who have been working without a contract since Aug. 31, could potentially remain out until the day after Thanksgiving.
“I am disappointed and sad that this has come to this,” said Superintendent Jeannine French, who is not participating directly in the talks. “We recognize the toll this is taking on families and teachers.”
Conditions were much drier for teachers Oct. 29 than the first day of the strike, which saw record rainfall. Teachers continued to be stationed outside the administration building, McMurray Elementary, Peters Middle School and Peters Township High School, taking time to wave to passing motorists who honk in support.
“It’s been great,” said Kris Bergman, president of the local union and a sixth grade teacher at McMurray Elementary. “We’ve had a lot of support and donations.”
Piled beside Bergman and his fellow teachers were coffee urns from Starbucks, donuts, cookies and pizza.
Bergman said he and his fellow teachers want the contract issues resolved as soon as possible so they can return to their classrooms.
“We are available anytime, anywhere,” he said.