Teachers in West Frankfort have reached a tentative three-year agreement with the Frankfort District #168 school board, following more than 20 bargaining sessions and averting a potential strike. Educators had previously voted unanimously to authorize a walkout on October 15th.
“Our union team is excited to announce that we have reached a three-year agreement this evening after several hours of intense bargaining with the school board,” said AFT Local 817 President Tim Aldridge. “While this tentative agreement does not give either side everything they wanted, it addresses issues important to our members while providing cost savings to the district. It also acknowledges the dedication and contributions of our incredible teachers and helps to keep West Frankfort schools strong”.
“Though we were often frustrated with the board’s lack of preparation and progress during these lengthy negotiations, we appreciate that the superintendent and board team worked with us tonight to get this done for the sake of our students and community.
“The teachers want to thank all of the parents, community members, and our fellow unionists who supported us in countless ways during these many months. Your support meant everything to us, and you played a critical role in helping us secure this agreement.
“We look forward to being in our classrooms tomorrow with new energy and optimism, knowing that we may soon be able to put bargaining behind us and focus completely on doing what we love – teaching our students.”
Frankfort CUSD #168 Superintendent Matt Donkin also issued a joint statement with AFT Local 817, confirming that, after 17 bargaining sessions, the negotiating teams for both the district and the teachers’ union have reached a tentative agreement on their contract. Both sides will review the new collective bargaining agreement with their members and schedule votes for approval in the coming days.
Details of the agreement will be released following union member review and ratification that was scheduled for Friday.
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