Service workers in East Stroudsburg school district authorize strike

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130327/NEWS/303270329

By Howard Frank
Pocono Record Writer
March 27, 2013

The union representing East Stroudsburg Area School District's support staff workers has authorized a strike after negotiations over the past two years failed to produce a new contract.

"The union leadership was given the authority by a vote of the general membership to give the school district a strike notice when or if they believe it is necessary to get a fair contract," said Matt Gruenloh, representative of the East Stroudsburg Area Education Support Professional Association.

The union, which has approximately 570 members, has been without a contract since the summer of 2011. The vote was taken March 20 during the union's general membership meeting.

"The support staff plays a vital role in the lives of district students," Gruenloh said. "East Stroudsburg Area School District needs qualified, trained, caring people in every job in every school. Many times the support staff are the first people parents and students see in the morning and the last they see in the evening."

FULL story at link.