There has been a new development in the contract talks between teachers in West Frankfort School District 168 and the district's school board.
Teachers, who are members of the American Federation of Teachers, Local 817, have filed Unfair Labor Practice charges with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board.
The Unfair Labor Practice charges the district with being disorganized, chaotic, and unprepared for bargaining and refusing to bargain in good faith, which is required by law.
The teachers union claims the superintendent and school board members have refused to make compromises and move off their unreasonable demands for cuts to salary and benefits.
Superintendent Matt Donkin says the district was unaware of the Unfair Labor Practice charge until being contacted by the media.
"We were working under the assumption from public comments at Monday night's board meeting that this might be a possibility on Friday of this week. We're reviewing the document and deliberating on our next steps as we continue to bargain at the negotiating table for a fair contract for our teachers that gives the district the opportunity to meet the need of its students and community for years to come."
Negotiations have been taking place since May - including two sessions with a federal mediator.
Teachers are working under the terms of the expired contract while negotiations continue.
Donkin says the next negotiating session is scheduled for October 1.
