DUBOIS – Support staffers braved the chilly weather to picket DuBois Area School District buildings Thursday morning as they went on strike.
The strike notice was filed on Tuesday by the DuBois Education Support Professional Association, the union that represents the aides and secretaries who have been without a contract for three years now, according to a release by DESPA President Sandy Kiehlmeier.
According to Kiehlmeier on Thursday, 100 staffers are out picketing. Some went out as early as 6 a.m.
Kiehlmeier said Thursday that the public has been supportive, waving and blowing their vehicle horns in support of the staffers.
“I think we’re having a strong impact from the things we’re hearing,” said Kiehlmeier.
“We’re the heart and soul of what goes on in this buildings,” said Kiehlmeier.”We keep those buildings running.”
As of now, Kiehlmeier said they are unaware of how long they intend to stay out.
Kiehlmeier contends that there are people in the schools doing the jobs of the support staff. School administration said they are doing whatever they have to keep things going as smoothly as possible within the schools. But according to administration, volunteers are filling in in some areas.
