Meridian teachers vote to strike if agreement cannot be reached

MACON, Ill. (WAND) - Members of the union representing teachers in Meridian Community Unit School District #15 have voted to authorize a strike.

Teachers at Meridian CUSD #15 have been working without a contract for the last few months. The Meridian Federation of Teachers started contract negotiations back in June.

Tuesday night. 92% of voting members of the Meridian Federation of Teachers (MFT, IFT Local 4487) agreed that the teachers’ bargaining team can call a strike if no significant progress is made at the table.

Member turnout for the vote was 90%.

“This vote sends a clear message to our administration that Meridian teachers are unified in their resolve to settle a fair contract. There is more work to be done,” said MFT President Brian Pekovitch. “Of course, no one wants to strike, and we are hopeful that we can come to an agreement. We want to ensure that our district remains strong enough to retain our great teachers. However, if the school board fails to make that commitment, they may give us no choice but to call a strike.”

The next mediation date has not yet been set.

WAND News reached out to the Meridian School District and Superintendent Shane Gordon said the district did not have a statement at this time.