Benton teachers union files unfair labor practice complaint

BENTON, Ill. -- The Benton teachers union on Tuesday filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the Benton Consolidated High School District, alleging it hasn't bargained in good faith.

The district's 60 teachers and support workers have been on strike since Aug. 19 over wages and benefits.

In its two-count complaint filed with the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board, the teachers union alleges the district has failed to bargain in good faith by refusing to release employee salary information.

It also charges that the district engaged in "surface bargaining," or using an all-or-nothing approach.

"That's not bargaining fairly," said Mike Salmo, president of the Benton Education Association. "We've been arguing about the breaking the proposal into parts so we can discuss things. The board is unwilling."

He said the union requested salary information when it prepared for contract negotiations in April, but the district refused. Teachers had to individually agree to release the information, Salmo said.

Superintendent Kelly Stewart declined comment Tuesday, saying she had not received the complaint.

"I'd like to see the actual document. We'll turn all the information over to our attorney and we'll respond in kind," she said.

Both parties are scheduled to meet again today, Stewart said.

The teachers' previous contract expired July 31. The strike has halted classes for 650 high schoolers in this Southern Illinois town and threatened sports seasons.