Youngstown, OH--Valley teachers came out in droves today in Youngstown to show their unity as YEA teachers work to hammer out a new contract.

 

The rally took place this afternoon as parents continue to count down the days until school begins

 

Hundreds of teachers lined the streets at Wood and Wick in Youngstown,  chanting YEA, and YEA strong. 

 

Teachers from Austintown, Warren, Niles and other areas joined them for this rally to show solidarity.

 

The President of the teachers union talked to members through a megaphone. 

 

"The Board of Education has decided to bargain in the media and put out a bunch of lies to try and divide us. Let's let them know right now we are united, not divided,"  Youngstown Education Association President, Eric Teutsch said.

 

The president of the union made it clear he cleared his schedule to negotiate all weekend but the board set the next negotiations for Monday.

 

 The Union requested contract negotiations before school ended last year in March pointing out theIr contracts were set to expire in June prior to the new school year. 

 

Teachers filled the library back in March to bring home the point that teachers wanted to begin contract negotiations back then. 

 

"We've been saying this all along we want a fair contract, we want this settled. It's not about money, it's about working conditions,"

YEA President Teutsch emphasized.

 

"Administrators are out of touch in Youngstown," Ohio Education Association Vice President, Jeff Wensing yelled, as he rallied the crowd.

 

The Ohio Education Association Vice President traveled to the rally telling  teachers the OEA supports them.

 

"You have concerns about being treated as professionals. You have concerns making sure you and your students are safe," OEA Vice President Wensing added.

 

He and others here believe the reason the board hasn't been willing to negotiate until now is because they haven't had to for 8 years.

 

"This is the first contract since House Bill 60, so this is why I think we're having the struggles we're having," YEA Spokesperson Jim Courim said.

 

Under state control teachers had limited negotiating abilities under the CEO system but not any longer.

 

Dozens of cars, trucks, and SUV's beeped horns to show they support the teachers.

 

The teachers made it clear they are united as the negotiating team heads back to the bargaining table on Monday. 

 

Teachers are hoping they will be back in the classroom for students for the first day back to school, but that depends on negotiations.

 

"We want to be back to the school on the 23rd. We don't want to strike, but we will if we have to," Courim emphasized.

 

If a contract agreement can not be reached a strike vote is set for Monday evening at 

5:00 p.m.