CLARKS SUMMIT — Abington Heights Superintendent of Schools Michael Mahon and Abington Heights Education Association (AHEA) President Tim Moher confirmed that all schools in the district will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 12 as the result of a strike by the teachers’ union. According to Moher, the strike will go on day by day, until further notice.
The previous teachers’ contract expired on Aug. 31.
There are three negotiations sessions planned between the two sides: Thursday, Sept. 21, Monday, Oct. 2 and Monday, Oct. 23.
The AHEA sent a notice to Mahon June 6 of its plan to strike, if an agreement isn’t reached before 12:01 a.m. Sept. 12.
The AHEA represents and negotiates on behalf of the teachers, counselors and school nurses of the Abington Heights School District.
According to a statement on the Abington Heights School District’s website, the last student day will be June 15, excluding snow days, should the union strike for the maximum length allowed by law. If the union strikes for a second time, also allowed by law, the last student day could be as late as June 30.
The AHEA proposed a one-year contract with a 2.5 percent salary increase and no changes to its benefits package during a negotiations session Sept. 7.
The school district offered a one-year contract with a 2 percent salary increase and the request for union members to pay $80 per month toward their health care benefits.
An agreement was not reached.
The teachers’ union originally proposed a five-year contract with a 3.85 percent salary increase and no change to health care benefits.
The district originally proposed a three-year contract that would include a 1 percent salary increase, only for individuals in the 15th step of the cycle. The offer also called for a 10 percent employee contribution toward health care benefits.
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