Strongsville Teachers Union Seeks Donations for Health Insurance

The Strongsville Education Association is asking for donations to help pay for health insurance for its members -- an expense that could potentially drive some striking teachers to cross the picket line by next week.

The SEA has set up a donations page on its website that seeks contributions for medical bills and insurance premiums for its members.

The campaign comes shortly before the deadline for striking teachers to join COBRA -- if they haven't already -- for health insurance.

The teachers have until May 7 to sign up for COBRA if they want coverage, according to the school district. But under COBRA rules, to join now, the teachers would also have to pay retroactive premiums for March and April.

The cost for COBRA coverage is about $1,670 per month for a family.

The looming financial impact has led to widespread speculation that some teachers will cross the picket line and return to work this week.

The Facebook page called Strongsville Teachers Cross the Line notes the deadline with this comment: "COBRA payments due next week - anyone want to come back to your students?"

Some teachers have already signed up for COBRA, while others have not. Those who have not will have to make a decision soon about whether to risk having no coverage, paying premiums or returning to work.

SEA President Tracy Linscott could not be reached for comment Wednesday morning.

The SEA's web page blames the Strongsville Board of Education for prolonging the strike, which is now in its eighth week.

"Unfortunately, it has become increasingly clear that SEA is fighting its battle against a Board of Education that is unconcerned with its students, but whose only concern is its anti-union agenda," the site says.

School Board President David Frazee denied the allegation.

"The board has absolutely no desire to break the union," he said. "We would love to have them back with a fair contract."

More Help from AFL-CIO

The North Shore AFL-CIO has sent letters to Strongsville union members (attached to this story as a PDF) seeking support for striking teachers.

The letters, addressed "Dear Union Member," say Strongsville teachers "are in the fight of their lives" and allege the School Board's ultimate goal is to "break the union" by holding out until have to start paying for their health insurance.

The letter asks recipients to join the group called Strongsville Parents Supporting Strongsville Teachers and to be available when needed.

"On Sunday, for example, they expressed their support when they 'welcomed' the Board upon their arrival at the mediation session," the letter says.

It's signed by Harriet Applegate, executive secretary, and Pat Gallager, president of the North Shore AFL-CIO.

The AFL-CIO also organized a rally for the SEA April 12, bringing in representatives from more than 15 unions to offer support and show solidarity.

Recent Stories:

Teachers Strike Starts Week 8 with Flurry of Accusations

Teachers Union Blasts School Board for Not Accepting One-Time Offer 

Rowdy Crowd Addresses Strongsville School Board

Teachers Union Won't Vote on School Board's Offer

School Board Makes New Offer to Teachers; Union Counters

City Council Supports Students; Teachers Union Condemns School Board

Strongsville Teachers Cross Picket Line

Protests Continue at School Board Members' Homes

For other stories on the teachers' strike, click here.

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