Akron Public Schools and Teachers Union at Odds: Tensions Rise

Increased tensions between leaders of Akron Public Schools and the teachers' union have escalated, leading to accusations of obstruction from both sides. The schools administration filed an unfair labor practice charge in April, with the Akron Education Association following suit this month. Both charges were filed with the State Employment Relations Board, which conducted mediation for the initial complaint.

Key Points:

• Schools administration and teachers union at odds
• Unfair labor practice charges filed
• Mediation conducted but disputes remain unresolved

Accusations and Counteraccusations

The district claimed the union undermined the process for managing complaints about working conditions and failed to provide sufficient information about the issues they wanted to address. In response, the union accused the Akron Board of Education, Superintendent Michael Robinson, and the administration of obstructing the resolution of grievances through insolent and deceitful actions.

History of Tension

The recent filings follow a series of disagreements between the administration and the union. Superintendent Robinson's speech at Akron's Second Baptist Church, where he anticipated backlash over job cuts, hinted at strained relations with the teachers' union, representing over 2,000 employees. The union, in turn, accused Robinson of aggressive behavior and playing loose with the truth.

What do you think?

• Are the accusations of obstruction valid on both sides?
• How can Akron Public Schools and the union improve their relationship?
• Should mediation be the primary method of resolving disputes?