A federal mediator is calling what could be a last-ditch mediation session in hopes of avoiding a strike by Vermont teachers in a school district in Rutland and Addison counties.
The teachers serving the towns of Castleton, Fair Haven, Benson and Orwell are prepared to go on strike on Wednesday. They have opened strike headquarters in Fair Haven.
Union representative Susan Corey says teachers hope negotiations can avoid a strike.
Teachers say the school boards in the towns imposed a pay cut and then walked away from negotiations.
Teachers are pushing for the boards to return to the bargaining table and try to reach a settlement. A School Board attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment. The talks are set for today.