CLEVELAND TEACHERS UNION
The Halle Building, 1228 Euclid Ave. Suite 600  Cleveland, Ohio 44115 216/861-7676
fax: 216/861-4113
David J. Quolke, President
www.ctu-279.org

August 16, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Meg Ryan Shockey, (216) 861-7676 ext. 231

CLEVELAND TEACHERS UNION ISSUES NOTICE OF INTENT TO STRIKE
The Cleveland Teachers Union Executive Board unanimously voted that notice should be given to
SERB of a strike to begin on September 1 at 6:00pm. In May, the members of the CTU voted
overwhelmingly to authorize the leadership of the Union to call a strike (3829 Yes 106 No or 97.3%
in favor of authorizing a strike).
Cleveland Teachers Union President David J. Quolke said “It is unfortunate that after 11 months of
negotiating that we do not have a contact. We seek a contract that addresses the many concerns
our educators have voiced over the broken promises of the last three years. All throughout this
process, CTU has fought for a contract that is good for kids and fair for educators and we will not
take a contract back to the membership that does not meet that standard.”
The State Employees Relations Board requires at least a 10 day notice of intent to strike.
Quolke added “Over the last 2 weeks - Cleveland teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service
providers greeted Cleveland’s kids and enthusiastically began a new school year. That is why issuing
a notice to strike is not an easy thing to do. It is our hope that the CMSD and the Mayor will commit
to using the next two weeks to resolve the contract. It is essential that we invest in our schools and
in our students, and we provide more, not fewer opportunities for students; and it is essential that
we settle this contract and begin working to pass the Cleveland school levy.”

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OPEIU, Local 17 • American Federation of Teachers • Local 279 • OFT • AFL-CIO