They usually drive buses, cook meals and clean hallways at Head Start facilities, but they could soon be walking the picket lines.

Members of the Ohio Association of

Public School Employees Local 170 have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike vote against the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization.

The union represents approximately 110 bus drivers, cooks, teachers, child care workers, maintenance and custodial workers at nine head start sites throughout the county.

OAPSE Field Representative Karen Kuehne said she wants people to understand the union members don't want to strike but will "if we're forced to the picket line." Kuehne said the issue is

"not an economic issue, it's a fairness issue."

"All the people are asking for is fair and equitable treatment. Regardless of the fact they're in a union, they're entitled to the same level of benefits and rate of pay as all CAO employees."

In a prepared statement, CAO Director of Human Resources James Ingram said a mediation session is scheduled for this evening in hopes of settling the matter. Ingram said he is disappointed that the union voted to strike at a time when negotiations are ongoing. He characterized the unresolved issues as "very difficult and complex."

"Our desire is to provide quality Head Start and day care services to the children and residents of

Lawrence County in a dignified manner that will promote family values. We are committed to that goal with compassion and dedication. We remain hopeful that the parties can reach an agreement without a disruption of those services," Ingram said.

The strike authorization comes less than a week after negotiators for the CAO suggested the two sides were at an impasse. The old agreement expired Dec. 31.

The two sides have been at odds over a management decision to cut some workers' hours, thereby eliminating their eligibility for health insurance coverage.

CAO officials said the reduction in hours was necessary because of state funding cuts. Kuehne maintains that CAO officials opted to balance their budget on the backs of union members while management kept their wages, hours and benefits.