As nearly 400 Burlington VT teachers walked the picket lines for the third day, two Republican lawmakers announced legislation Monday that would ban teachers from striking and school boards from imposing contracts.
Burlington Representative Kurt Wright and Caledonia County Senator Joe Benning will introduce legislation that will eliminate imposed contracts and strikes. Wright says it will be a modified version of a bill he proposed in 2015 that failed by one vote. “In Vermont police, fire, public safety can’t strike, nor can state employees because they’re deemed essential services. Well I think it’s time that we elevate teaching to a level of essential services.”
The union and school board are scheduled to meet with a mediator on Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.
