[box type=”warning” align=”aligncenter” ]This story was updated at 10:20pm on Oct. 18 with a response from the Consolidated School District 158 Board of Education. [/box]

Consolidated School District 158’s teacher union released a statement today saying that the union members “overwhelmingly” authorized the ability to strike in a membership meeting Wednesday.

“The entire Board is disappointed the HEA negotiating team has twice failed to secure ratification of the agreements reached at the table,” said in a statement from School District 158. “It appears that the HEA negotiating team does not have the authority to enter into a ratifiable agreement. The Board respectfully requests the HEA membership send a team that has the authority to enter into an agreement and ensure ratification.”

The Huntley Education Association stated that they are still commited to reach a deal with the district. The vote means that the union members can enter the picket lines 28 days after an official impassse is announced (when officials cannot reach an agreement).

The board said they were notified about the strike authorization motion through the media Thursday afternoon.

The union and district have had a mediator in negotiations for the past few weeks. Teachers have been working without a contract throughout the school year. Nothing has come our regarding the topics of disagreements between the two parties.

Stay tuned to The Voice for more information.