UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- A large group of Union County teachers is making a bold statement on Wednesday by staying home.

More than 100 teachers have already called out "sick" on Wednesday, joining what some are calling a coordinated sick-out to demand better pay and clearer communication from school and county leaders.

Frustration has been reportedly building for months over educator bonuses. Teachers said they were promised a $2,000 bonus back in May, but so far, the payments have been smaller and delayed. Many expected to receive their full bonuses by August.

The Union County School Board met on Monday and recommended increasing this year’s bonus by $1,000, more than what county commissioners said was approved in the current budget. Still, educators said that may not be

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