Naperville teachers vote to authorize strike ahead of school start; no plans to strike at this time

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- Naperville teachers have voted in favor of authorizing a strike as students are set to return to school on Thursday.

The Naperville Unit Education Association says there are no plans to strike at this time, but the vote gives them the authority to declare one.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Teachers rallied for a new contract earlier this month at a school board meeting.

They have been bargaining since February.

In a statement, Naperville Community Unit School District 203 says its most recent contract offer provides a competitive increase in pay. The district says it hopes an agreement can be reached soon.