Contract Negotiations Reopened After Flint Teacher Sick Out

School in the Flint Community Schools District is back in session following a call off of more than 100 teachers and staff Wednesday, prompting the closure of all schools in the district.

119 members with the United Teachers of Flint and both the Michigan and National Education Associations all called in sick. Union representatives say those educators and staff reached a breaking point as the Flint Community Schools Board of Education has refused to revisit negotiations on a new contract after rejecting a proposed one. Last month, the union overwhelmingly voted no confidence in the board after it rejected a settlement agreement reached between the teachers’ union and school district administrators, despite three members of the school board having already sat on the bargaining committee that approved the settlement. According to the union, the Board refused to explain its rationale to educators, parents or the community about its decision.

However, following Wednesday’s call off, the board has decided to reopen negotiations with the unions.