LITCHFIELD, Ill. (KMOX) – Litchfield, Illinois teachers are gearing up for a strike. The union rejected the latest contract offer from the school district prior to going on Christmas break.

The teachers have been working without a contract since August 13th, when their previous five-year deal ran out. Litchfield Education Association President Lynne Taylor says the latest contract offer was overwhelmingly rejected.

The union is looking for a 3 percent salary increase.

School District Superintendent Chad Allison, the request for a salary increase comes at a time bad time, that revenues have declined over the past three years.

If an agreement is not reached and the teachers decide to strike, the first possible day for a walkout would be January 7th.