Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers President John Tarka said he's frustrated with the pace of contract talks for paraprofessionals and technical-clerical workers.

Union members are weary of the delay, too, said Mr. Tarka, who held membership meetings Wednesday and Thursday to brief the bargaining units on the status of negotiations.

"There's no question the members are not happy that a resolution hasn't been reached," he said.

In January, the union and Pittsburgh Public Schools reached a three-year contract for about 2,700 teachers and other professional employees.

Once a teachers contract is reached, agreements for the smaller bargaining units often fall into place. That hasn't been the case this year.

About 620 paraprofessionals and about 40 technical-clerical workers have been working without contracts since June 30.

Mr. Tarka called the negotiations a "frustrating and unsatisfactory process" and said stumbling blocks include pay and health care.

In October, when teachers also were without a contract, all three bargaining units authorized union officials to call a strike at any time.

Mr. Tarka said he wanted to avoid a work stoppage but acknowledged that no additional strike vote is necessary. In the event of a strike by the smaller units, he said, teachers would report to work but refrain from doing any duties performed by the paraprofessionals or technical-clerical workers.

The district also is negotiating with about 690 employees represented by Local 297 and Local 2924 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. About 100 members of the Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council rejected a contract offer last month.