Orange County teachers union goes to court as students begin first day of classes

ORLANDO, Fla. — The semester is now underway for Orange County students, but the teachers union is still fighting against face-to-face learning. The union took its concerns to court with a lawsuit.

The teachers union as well as the union representing custodial workers said it isn’t happy with how the district is handling its concerns.

The two unions representing Orange County Public Schools said the district is bargaining in “bad faith.”

Read: Orlando launches learning pods at 6 neighborhood centers

The teachers union filed both a grievance and a lawsuit.

Also, Orange Education Support Professionals Association, the union representing 85,000 non-instructional employees, like custodians and bus drivers, had concerns of its own but received good news Friday: A new agreement between Orange County Public Schools and the union.

As part of the deal, the district will provide face masks and gloves for workers.

The district will also conduct health screenings, which eases many concerns for the union.

Read: UCF creates hotline to help parents, teachers with virtual learning questions

According to the new agreement, custodians will be told if they are going into an area where a teacher or student has tested positive for COVID-19.

The latest numbers show out of 25,000 OCPS employees, 60 are on medical relief and 91 were placed on medical relief of duty since March due to the coronavirus.

Read: Orange County students return to virtual school, Orlando City Lions participate in final match: Here are 9 things happening this week

A teachers union hearing begins Monday at noon.

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Cox Media Group