OKEMOS, Mich. (WLNS) — Okemos school teachers took gathered outside of the district’s administration building in protest Monday, saying that despite months of negotiations with the district — they still do not have a fair contract.
At least 100 people showed up at the protest, saying the school year is almost over — and they still don’t have a new contract. Negotiations have underway since last April. A spokesperson for the union says the biggest sticking points are benefits and pay.
Teachers at the protest told 6 News that, in the meantime, they are still working under last year’s contract, and all the back and forth makes them feel under-appreciated by the district.
Lori Mazzullo, president of the Okemos Education Association, told 6 News she wants her fellow workers to be paid fairly.
“We’ve been bargaining since mid-April of 2025. We are 33 weeks into a 39-week school year without a contract,” Mazzullo said. “We have worked with the administration, been at every bargaining session that they have offered to us…