Hibbing United Educators turn to mediation to end contract negotiations

HIBBING - The Hibbing teachers union has requested mediation with the school district.

After months of negotiating, Hibbing United Educator (HUE) and the district cannot come to an agreement on salary, health care and longer hours for staff.

The union says the district has proposed longer hours and less help paying for health care without an increase in salary.  The teachers feel they deserve part of the district's $2.6 million surplus.

"Their feeling is that they need that much money in the bank, we feel that they don't and we feel they have enough money to give us a minimal increase," said Hibbing United Educators member, Tony Harkonen.

A mediation session is set between the teachers and district for April 8th.