Peoria teachers ‘Rally for Respect’

Rainy weather didn’t dampen a show of strength by the Peoria Federation of Teachers on Aug. 8, when more than 800 people turned out for the unikon’s "Rally for Respect" demonstration at Peoria Public Schools' administration building on Wisconsin and Forrest Hill.

 

After 19 bargaining sessions and the expiration of a previous contract, negotiations have stalled, forcing the union to call for mediation.

 

“Morale is low [and] stress is high,” said PFT President Jeff Adkins-Dutro. “People need an outlet and they’re here to let that be known.

 

“We would hope [for a settlement in] maybe a month with the federal mediator,” he added. “If that doesn’t work, we’re in big trouble.”

 

The union is proposing having a counselor in each District 150 school building and changes in discipline, as well as a wage increase after years of no raises – when administrators’ pay went up.

 

There seems to be community support, since the hundreds of people in blue shorts marching along sidewalks and the parking lot were greeted by dozens of passing well-wishers signaling support by honking car horns, shouting encouragement and waving.

 

A work stoppage “would be the worst-case scenario,” Adkins-Dutro added. “I hope the school board and the administration take note of our strength and power.”