Paramount : Teachers to Take Strike Authorization Vote

Teachers in the Paramount Unified School District, who have been working without a contract since June, 1988, will take a strike authorization vote today, said John Burritt, executive director of the Teachers Assn. of Paramount.

The 425 teachers who are members of the association will vote on whether the union leadership should be instructed to call a strike. Results probably will not be available before the end of the week or early next week, Burritt said.

Burritt said the union is dissatisfied that district negotiators had broken off talks April 7. Burritt said the union wanted to resume talks but had received no indication that the district was willing.

District Supt. Richard Caldwell said he hoped there would not be a strike, but the district has to prepare for the possibility. As a result, he said, the Board of Education voted Tuesday to raise the pay of substitute teachers from $85 to $133 per day, and to $200 in some cases.

More than 400 teachers and supporters picketed in front of the board room before the regular meeting Tuesday.

The teachers are asking for a 7% salary raise and a one-year contract, while the district is offering a 5% salary hike with a three-year contract.