Frustration continues to grow among teachers in West Frankfort as contract negotiations between AFT Local 817 and Frankfort 168 remain at a standstill. Union leaders say the district has proposed deep cuts to wages, benefits, and teacher rights — proposals educators call “unreasonable” after years of sacrifice and staff reductions.
In response, AFT Local 817 is planning a Labor March this Saturday, to rally support from the community and fellow unions. The march will begin at 10:45 a.m. from the IBEW #702 Labor Hall parking lot. Participants will walk in solidarity to the West Frankfort football field, where local union president Tim Aldridge is expected to speak.
Union members say the event is meant to send a message to the school board that teachers are united and ready to take further action.
