On Oct 16 2017, hundreds of nurses, secretaries, aides, and other support staff members of the Palatine School District 15 went on strike in attempt to negotiate better wages, along with other benefits. These members of the ESPA, or Educational Support Personnel Association, have been without contract since July, and earn about $11 per hour.

Support staff is asking for a 2.5 percent increase of salary, and as of now, the school board has refused to meet this demand. Creating even more outrage, last year, teachers of District 15 received a ten year contract including a 4 percent wage increase. Support workers view this as unfair because the school board is only offering them a 1.8 percent increase

The negotiations, although ongoing, have not reached an agreeable conclusion. Therefore the work stoppage has continued, making it very difficult for schools to meet the needs of their children.

The ESPA offered to move to binding arbitration. This means that an outside, neutral party would analyze the situation, and make a decision to settle the dispute. During the binding arbitration process, the support staff would return to work. However, the school board declined this offer, and the strike resumed.

As of now, District 15 schools will stay in session without the help of ESPA workers. Until a mutual compromise is determined, support staff members will remain on the picket line.