(JUNEAU) - Public school employees will now be required to give written notice of an impending strike to their school board at least 72-hours prior to any labor action.

Sen. Lyda Green (R-Mat-Su) sponsored the legislation she says is designed to protect students and parents from being caught unprepared.

"This legislation gives parents an opportunity to make alternate arrangements for their children in the case of a strike," said Green. "As it is right now, families with kids could hear for weeks about contract disputes at school, disputes that might result in a strike, then show-up for school and the doors are locked - that is not fair to the parents and it is certainly not fair to the children."

Green said she was pleased with the seemingly strong bi-partisan support she got on the bill with 17 members voting in favor and only two members: Sen. Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage) and Sen. Kim Elton (D-Juneau) voting against the measure.

"I am not sure why Ellis and Elton would vote against a bill, in which the sole purpose is to protect children," said Green. "Neither of them initiated any debate of the issue, and they offered no reason for their vote."

The bill is back up before the Senate Thursday under reconsideration. Green said she hopes that Ellis and Elton do reconsider their votes and send this bill to the House with unanimous approval.

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