The Blue Ridge Federation has authorized a strike.  The vote to do so took place Sunday night in Farmer City. 

The Federation has been negotiating with the Blue Ridge School Board since February, with the last two sessions involving a Federal mediator.  

In a statement Sunday night, Federation President Don Anton said quote - "The Board says they are committed to the negotiations process, but at our last meeting they rejected our latest proposal and failed to give a counter offer. Federation members want to reach a deal, but our collective patience is running thin. The Board needs to understand that time is running out.”

The soonest the Federation could legally strike would be October 28th.  Anton said the Federation is willing to give the Board until the end of the month to reach a deal.  If no deal is reached, the union is set to walk out on

The Federation will meet with the Board and a federal mediator again on Wednesday.  There will be an informational picket outside the high school starting at 3:45.