Watch CBS News

Peters Township Negotiations End With No Deal, Future Talks Not Scheduled

PETERS TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - Kids in Peters Township will not go back to class Tuesday after attempts to end a teachers' strike failed for the 20th time, but some parents at Monday's board meeting said they're willing to wait.

So many people turned out for the Peters Township School Board meeting Monday night that the session had to be moved to the Middle School auditorium, and still, dozens couldn't get inside.

In late-October, Peters Township teachers agreed to meet, but those talks didn't lead to a new deal.

The regularly-scheduled meeting became a platform for dozens to vent their frustrations after a 20th negotiation session between the district and the teachers union failed to produce a tentative contract.

 

"The meeting was fruitless," staff representative Paul Homer told KDKA's Kym Gable. "The school district refused to bargain in good faith. They have not moved on their economic offer since last month, so we ended the meeting."

More than 100 striking teachers showed up at the meeting wearing blue shirts, while the grassroots group "PT Willing to Wait" donned red attire. Members of that group largely support school board members.

"We're not willing to cave to [the teachers'] demands," said Eric Taber. "We do not have a blank checkbook, and we're here to support them tonight."

No new bargaining sessions are scheduled. State law will force everyone back to the classroom after Thanksgiving.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.