SETTLEMENT ELUSIVE IN CAIRO STRIKE

CAIRO, Ill.-- The Cairo Association of Teachers has refused federal binding arbitration in their dispute with the Cairo Public School District.

Superintendent Dr. Elaine Bonifield held a news conference Wednesday to say the district's offer of federal arbitration will stand until the regular board of education meeting Dec. 21.

"At that time, the board will look at some other options," Bonifield said.

One of those options might include hiring new teachers to fill the positions of 73 teachers who went on strike Nov. 17.

"We have to look at this for the students," said Bonifield. "The board may consider replacement of striking teachers in order to offer students 180 days of schooling."

CAT president Ron Newell wasn't at the news conference, but waited outside to talk with the media. He denied that teachers refused binding arbitration.

Newell said CAT voted to accept binding arbitration at a general membership meeting Wednesday morning. But the vote hinged on arbitration guidelines set out by the CAT and refused by the board.

One of the sticking points in arbitration seems to be who will by the arbitrator. The CAT has suggested an arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association.

"We were not aware that the board wanted a federal arbitrator," said Newell. "Arbitrators from the AAA have been used in previous strikes in Illinois."

But Bonifield said the board wants a federally approved arbitrator, which AAA isn't.

The teachers strike, which started Nov. 17, goes into its 14th school day today.

A second Illinois teachers strike, at Round Lake, is more than a month old. Teachers at Round Lake went on strike Oct. 17.