HOLLAND, Ohio — Support staff in the Springfield Local Schools district have announced plans to strike beginning Wednesday, Jan. 7, citing prolonged contract negotiations and what union leaders describe as a lack of good-faith bargaining by the district.
The announcement was made Tuesday by representatives of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees, which represents support staff under OAPSE Local 478. Union officials say talks have stalled for several months without meaningful progress.
Support staff affected by the planned strike include educational aides, food service employees, transportation workers, and other operational personnel essential to daily school operations.
According to the union, the district’s most recent contract proposal would lower employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts, continue higher employee health insurance premium shares, and shift additional healthcare costs onto workers. Union leaders also say the proposal does not include wage increases that keep pace with rising living expenses.
In a statement, OAPSE said it remains prepared to resume negotiations immediately in hopes of reaching an agreement before the strike date.
“Our members want to be at work supporting students and schools,” said Chris Griffith, a field representative for OAPSE. “However, the district’s refusal to meet and negotiate leaves us with no other option.”
Springfield Local Schools officials responded Friday, stating the district intends to keep schools open during the strike, though no changes were announced to the district’s current proposal.
Superintendent Matt Geha said the board believes its compensation package is fair, noting that it includes wage increases while requiring what he described as modest increases in employee health insurance contributions.
Classes in the district are scheduled to resume Monday, Jan. 5, two days before the planned strike action.
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