COLUMBUS – The union representing teachers and other employees in Ohio’s largest school district have filed a notice with the state that it intends to strike.
The Columbus Education Association on Thursday filed its Notice of Intent to Strike and Picket with the State Employment Relations Board, indicating a strike could commence at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 22 if the union and the Columbus City Schools do not reach agreement on their contract, union officials announced.
After talks broke down on July 28, the Board of Education and the union returned to the bargaining table on Wednesday at the request of a federal mediator but failed to reach an accord.
At issue is disagreement over working conditions, such as class sizes, functional heating and air-conditioning, the number of class periods, staffing issues and other concerns.
The union has almost 4,500 members.
Classes are scheduled to begin in the district on Aug. 24.