The Youngstown Education Association, the teachers and employees union, has overwhelmingly voted to strike on Wednesday, the first day of school.

21 News has reached out to the school district for comment and whether or not school will begin on Wednesday for students as planned.

The district and the YEA began negotiations in July but have not been able to reach a deal. Both sides met briefly Monday morning at the negotiating table before the district gave the union its final offer. 

"It was quick because the board walked away from the table," YEA Spokesperson Jim Courim said. 

“We are incredibly saddened that the Board and Superintendent have failed Youngstown’s students in the manner that they have in this situation," Courim said in a press release. "We have been clear since this spring that we wanted to get to the negotiations table for quick and collaborative negotiations that will protect our students’ learning conditions."

Courim claims the Board and Superintendent have done everything in their power to delay negotiations and to muddy the waters at the actual negotiations table whenever they actually showed up.

"They have consistently made this negotiation about everything but the students that we serve," Courim added.

The union said they have contract language that they'd like to revisit and potentially change. The union has requested better working conditions since the beginning od negotiations but the district said both sides are not agreeing on pay. 

The union told 21 News Monday it's up to the school district if they'd like to go back to the negotiating table. 

"We're willing to negotiate any time, any place, anywhere and if they call tonight at 11 o'clock I'm sure our negotiating team will be willing," Courim added.

Courim said they will continue to do everything possible to get into the classroom with the students as soon as possible.

But new revelations are showing a fact-finding request by the district could delay that strike.

It is still not known whether this strike and fact-finding request could allow school to start on time or if the 4-thousand kids within the district might not be able to head back to the classroom just yet.

The district declined an interview Monday but Communications Director Stacy Quinones told 21 News they are focusing on "scholarly learning at this time."