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Wave of teacher absences forcing Vegas-area school closures deemed an illegal strike, judge finds
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A judge on Wednesday found that the teachers union in Las Vegas is behind a wave of absences and ordered an end to what she said is “very clearly a strike” during a bitter contract battle in a state where it is illegal for public employees to walk out on the job.
Since Sept. 1, the unexpected staff shortages have forced eight schools to cancel classes for the day and two others to combine classes, according to the Clark County School District, which includes Las Vegas. The district said one of those schools had 87% of its teachers call out sick on the same day.
“The idea that this can be ignored, that these are sick call-outs, and that they are actually due to someone being sick is preposterous,” Clark County District Judge Crystal Eller said. If the teachers union fails to stop the strike, penalties could include a fine of up to $50,000, as well as jail time or termination for striking members and union leaders.
The Clark County Education Association — which represents about 18,000 licensed educators — has said it isn’t responsible for the recent wave of absences. Executive Director John Vellardita said after the hearing that they “respectfully disagree” with the judge’s order. The union’s attorney, Bradley Schrager, said they will appeal to the state Supreme Court.