OHIO — Support staff in the Springfield Local Schools district have formally announced plans to go on strike next month, citing a breakdown in contract negotiations with the district.
According to a field representative for the Ohio Association of Public School Employees, members of OAPSE Local 478 intend to begin a strike effective Jan. 7. Union officials said the decision follows months of stalled negotiations and what they described as the district’s refusal to bargain in good faith.
The affected employees include educational aides, food service workers, transportation staff and other operational support personnel within Springfield Local Schools.
In a statement, OAPSE Local 478 said the district’s proposed contract changes would reduce employer contributions to employee Health Savings Accounts, extend higher employee premium shares, shift additional health care costs onto workers and fail to include wage increases that keep pace with the rising cost of living.
The union said it remains willing to resume negotiations immediately in an effort to reach an agreement.
“Our members want to be at work supporting students and schools,” said Chris Griffith, an OAPSE field representative. “However, the district’s refusal to meet and negotiate leaves us with no other option. We cannot accept proposals that place an unfair financial burden on support staff.”
