ELLICOTT CITY, Md. – Teachers in the Howard County, Maryland school system are taking their union contract fight to the community because they’re unsatisfied with the school board’s seemingly generous offer of a five percent raise.

“On Thursday, teachers took part in a ‘dress for respect day,’ where they were encouraged to dress in outfits that demonstrate that their jobs are parallel with professions that require business attire,” the Baltimore Sun reports.

“Another measure is a ‘work-to-contract action,’ which union officials say will take place at about a half-dozen schools after spring break.”

MORE NEWS: Know These Before Moving From Cyprus To The UK

During the “work-to-contract” action teachers will simply go home after work, instead of tending to their after-school duties. Both of the union tactics are supposed to draw the public’s attention to the union contract disagreement with the district, sort of like a stubborn child that refuses to talk until it gets its way.

But the Howard County Education Association might be in for a rude awakening when the public actually looks into the contract disagreement. District officials initially offered teachers a .5 percent cost-of-living increase but no automatic annual step increase on the union salary scale, the Sun reports.

The union countered with a demand for raises of about 5 percent for five years, and the district came back with an offer that included an automatic step increase and 3 percent cost-of-living increase. District officials told the Sun they have budgeted for up to a 5 percent raise, but will not commit to a multiyear deal, according to the news site.

That makes sense, given the current uncertainty regarding year-to-year state funding for public schools.  But the HCEA is holding out for a multiyear contract.

So, instead of accepting a very generous 5 percent raise, union officials are sticking their nose up at the deal, and will complain to the community that teachers want a long term contract. The union antics may be intended to show teachers’ professional capacity, but it seems far more likely they will come off as money-grubbing slackers to many local residents who would gladly accept a 5 percent raise.

District superintendent Renee Foose told the news site the union is essentially hurting its members with its unyielding demand for a long term contract.

MORE NEWS: How to prepare for face-to-face classes

“All permanent employees are guaranteed up to a 5 percent increase if, in fact, our budget is approved (by the County Council),” Foose told the Sun. “If we don’t get that budget approved and we don’t have a tentative agreement by July 1, that means salaries will not get adjusted, teachers will not get the increment and the cost-of-living (allowances) will not get adjusted.”

Foose reiterated to the Sun that the district’s offer is more than fair.

“We’re looking at up to a 5 percent increase. That is a tremendous package,” Foose said. “In addition to that, we are still paying 85 to 87 percent of the health care packages of our school system employees.

“It’s a tremendous benefit, and what I would not want is the public to pull away (from the job actions) that teachers are being greedy.”

It may be too late for that.