PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Members of the Vancouver Association of Educational Support Professionals (VAESP) on Thursday night voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if Vancouver Public Schools management and their union's bargaining team are unable to reach an agreement on a new contract.

VAESP represents more than 800 staff, including paraeducators, clerks, secretaries, tech support specialists and sign language interpreters.

According to the union, negotiations with the district began in April, and they have been working without a contract since Aug. 31.

They claim key issues that need to be addressed involve management proposals to remove layoff protections, stipends for extra duties, as well as compensation for when an employee is injured by a student.

Additionally, part of the

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