CLARKS SUMMIT — Members of the Abington Heights Education Association (AHEA) and Abington Heights School Board are scheduled to meet this evening in an attempt to come to terms on a new contact and end the teachers’ union strike which began Sept. 12.
Abington Heights Superintendent Michael Mahon is optimistic the sides will be able to make progress toward a deal.
“It’s much better to be at the negotiating table than striking,” Mahon said. “I’m hopeful we’ll be able to come to a fair resolution that is good for the teachers and taxpayers.”
AHEA President Tim Moher also remains hopeful a resolution can be reached, but added the union remains committed to its last offer.
“I’m always optimistic, but we are pretty firm that we need the district to be willing to bargain and have a different attitude than the way they’ve been operating. We’re looking for them to make us a serious offer that doesn’t move our members backward.
“We’re hoping they will at least accept our one-year offer so we can get back to work and continue bargaining.”
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.
According to Mahon, the Pennsylvania Department of Education notified the Abington Heights School District Sept. 14 that the last day of the current strike can be no later than Sept. 29. If the union decides to strike for the maximum number of days, the last day of the school year would be pushed back to June 15.
Mahon added if the teachers’ union strikes for a second time, which is allowed by law, the last school day could be as late as June 30.
The two sides also have negotiations sessions scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 21, Monday, Oct. 2 and Monday, Oct. 23.
The AHEA represents and negotiates on behalf of the teachers, counselors and school nurses of the Abington Heights School District.
The previous teachers’ contract expired Aug. 31.
