CHICAGO — West Chicago teachers were out picketing Monday instead of teaching children.

The Teachers Union and the district 33 school board have been talking for 16 months over issues such as salary and health care costs.

They met Sunday for 11 hours, but failed to come to an agreement.

Due to state budget problems, the school board says the district is seeing reduced revenues

"We were prepared to do everything we could to avoid any disruptions for the  kids today, so we are very disappointed about that," said Bridget Fors, Teacher/Negotiator.

About 4,000 students are affected by the strike.