Members of the Proviso Teachers Union are taking action against District 209 leaders, accusing them of violating an agreement by forcing hundreds of teachers to return to the classroom this week.
The union has filed an unfair labor practice charge and grievance.
“They were directed — against a standing agreement that’s already in palce between the union and the district — to return to school buildings,” Amy Excell of the Illinois Federation of Teachers said Tuesday. “This is despite the fact that students are not in those buildings.”
To make matters worse, she said, the nearly 300 educators forced to return to Proviso East, West and Math and Science Academy were greeted by inhumane conditions.
“There was no heat in some of the buildings, there was no hot water,” she said.
Another concern, Excell said, is rising COVID-19 numbers in the area, as well as a lack of PPE for teachers.
“It’s not safe enough for students to return, so it certainly isn’t safe enough for teachers to return, either,” she said. “The priority has to be safety.”
In a statement to WBBM Newsradio, a District 209 spokesperson said returning to classrooms will provide teachers with enhanced access to support and technology to help improve student outcomes.