LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A district court judge declined to grant an injunction against the union representing Clark County School District educators after weeks of back-and-forth between district and union lawyers.
The Clark County School District wanted a judge to grant an injunction against the union for its threats of a "work action" amid ongoing contract negotiations. Nevada law makes it illegal for public employees to strike.
Judge Jessica K. Peterson told both parties that, should the union decide to strike, she would grant the district's injunction.
"Until they actually do strike," Peterson said. "They would not be in violation of the order."
HOW WE GOT HERE: A recap of the ongoing contract negotiations between the teachers' union and CCSD
The Clark County Education Association celebrated the judge's decision in a statement issued following Tuesday morning's court hearing.
"This is a victory for 18,000 educators and their first amendment rights," union leaders stated. "Hopefully Superintendent Jara and the trustees smell the coffee and see that they should be putting their efforts into bargaining at the negotiating table, and not manipulate the courts to force CCEA into a contract on CCSD's terms."
CCEA's President Marie Neisess says she is happy with the decision.
"I think it was fair," she said. "I think the actions of CCSD were clearly premature. I think it is par for the course for union busting. That is what they have done this entire time since the beginning of the negotiation session to this point."
In response to the judge's ruling, CCSD questioned the union's "tactics and leadership," writing that "CCEA leadership must bargain in good faith if they hope to reach a deal on behalf of our hardworking and deserving teachers."
District leaders noted that they remain "committed to ensuring that the interests of students, parents, and the District's overall operations are not disrupted."
WHAT'S NEXT? Union leaders talk next steps after CCSD, CCEA don't agree on contract proposal
The Clark County School District Board of Trustees is expected to review the union's latest contract proposal on Thursday. Union members are expected to meet on Saturday, Aug. 26 to review the trustees' response.
WHAT'S ON THE TABLE? CCSD offers 8.5% raise, starting salary of $53,354 in new teacher contract proposal
