HIBBING — Hibbing Public Schools support staff and the district reached an agreement late Thursday, March 19, preventing a strike next week.
AFSCME Local 480 announced earlier Thursday that it had voted to authorize a strike after a disagreement around the timing of the School Board's tentative agreement vote.
But Acting Superintendent Carrie McDonald said the two sides were in talks throughout the day Thursday and announced that evening that the union voted to approve the district's final offer for settlement.
"We appreciate Local 480's thoughtful approach and their commitment to working toward a resolution," McDonald said in a news release. "This is a meaningful step forward, and we are grateful for the collaboration shown."
The union represents 115 secretaries, custodians, pupil support assistants and information technology workers.
In an earlier release, McDonald said the disagreement around timing was due to a miscommunication during Tuesday's 16-hour mediation session, when the two sides were only speaking through a mediator.
The district will provide a finalized redlined agreement to union leadership by noon Monday, as the two sides agreed upon, according to the release.
The School Board will vote to ratify the contract at its meeting March 30, followed by a final union vote.
"Both the District and the Union have demonstrated a shared commitment to reaching an agreement that supports staff, students, and the broader Hibbing community," McDonald's release stated.
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