Posted at 11:40 a.m., Monday, April 2, 2001

Board hears request to add teachers who cannot strike

By Alice Keesing
Advertiser Education Writer

The state and teachers union were back before the Hawai'i Labor Relations Board today with the state arguing another 15 special-education teachers should be declared essential workers in the event of a strike Thursday.

Both sides are still waiting for the board's final decision on 322 other "essential workers." The state last week presented its plan for using those teachers during a strike. Board members have said that plan fell short of what they were asking for.

Deputy Attorney General Francis Keeno argued today that, in addition to the 322 teachers, the Department of Education needs 15 more for the Maui District.

Hawai'i State Teachers Association attorney Vernon Yu said the state did not presented a "shred of evidence" to support its request.

Both parties are also awaiting the board's decision on two complaints filed against the union by the state. If the board rules in the state's favor, it could prohibit teachers from striking on Thursday.

Both the state and the union imposed a blackout on information about whether there would be negotiations today.