ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — Teachers in the Valley View School District could walk off the job this month.

The district covers Romeoville and Bolingbrook.

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

Jared Ploger, the president of the Valley View Council union that represents workers, announced that a strike would occur on Thursday, September 18, at a rally held Monday evening. At a board meeting later that night, the teachers found some backing during the public comment segment.

Ploger’s announcement comes after the teachers filed an “intent to strike notice” last week and ahead of a bargaining session planned for Tuesday.

The teachers and the district have been arguing about an additional 20 minutes being added to the school day.

District officials say the extra instructional time will lead to higher test scores. Teachers say it puts unnecessary burdens on staff.

On Monday night, Ploger released a statement, expressing, “This situation has persisted for too long. We have offered a sensible proposal and have negotiated in good faith. The Valley View Board of Education leaves us no alternative but to designate a strike date.

The Board remains unwilling to compromise on their plan to start the high school day earlier, disregarding our members’ understanding that this isn’t in the best interests of our students or district. Once again, the community has shown their support – they back the staff.”

“Opting for a strike is never our aim; it is always our last option. However, we are nearing that point. It’s imperative that the Board of Education return to negotiations focused on achieving a fair contract that prioritizes students. Our members stand united, and we will remain resolute.”

The video in the player above is from a previous report.