Press Release: OAPSE Local #686 Responds to EFCTS Board Rejection of Fact-Finder Recommendations

GROVEPORT, Ohio, – After six months of collective bargaining, OAPSE Local #686 and the Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools (EFCTS) Board of Education reached an impasse that required the State Employee Relations Board (SERB) to appoint a third-party neutral fact-finder. This Fact-Finder, Gregory Lavelle, Esq., conducted a thorough review based on the district’s financial standing and comparisons to similar districts, ultimately issuing recommendations that included wage increases deemed fiscally responsible.

On December 8, 2024, in a highly irregular move, the EFCTS Board preemptively rejected the Fact-Finder’s recommendations before their scheduled meeting on December 11. The board subsequently issued a Last, Best, and Final (LBF) offer early Monday morning, December 9, which fell far short of the Fact-Finder’s recommendations.

On the same day, OAPSE Local #686 members convened and unanimously voted to accept the Fact-Finder’s recommendations, despite not securing several of their proposals. This demonstrated the union’s commitment to compromise and the well-being of its members and the community. However, the Local also voted unanimously to reject the Board’s LBF offer and authorized a strike.

The Fact-Finder’s recommendations, including higher-than-proposed Board salary increases, address the long-standing undervaluation of classified staff, such as custodians, cooks, IT technicians, and maintenance workers. These wage increases align with regional comparables and ensure EFCTS remains competitive in retaining and attracting talent.

“The board’s rejection of the Fact-Finder’s recommendations sends a troubling message that it does not value the vital contributions of classified staff,” said Sean Dahl, OAPSE Field Representative. “Our members accepted the neutral party’s recommendations in good faith. Yet, the board has disregarded a carefully balanced solution that addresses both the district’s financial health and the needs of its workers.”

The EFCTS Board’s LBF offer failed to match the Fact-Finder’s proposed wage increases and neglected to address inflationary pressures affecting its employees. The Fact-Finder’s report specifically highlighted that EFCTS has the financial capacity to implement these recommendations without compromising its fiscal integrity or its service to students and the community.

The strike vote underscores the union’s frustration with the lack of respect and recognition for classified employees. These dedicated workers ensure EFCTS schools are safe, clean, and operational, contributing directly to the district’s success.

“OAPSE Local #686 remains steadfast in advocating for fair compensation and respect for our members,” Dahl added. “We urge the EFCTS Board to reconsider its position and join us in adopting the Fact-Finder’s recommendations to avert a strike and restore faith in the collective bargaining process.”