Intent on sending a strong message, the Port Jefferson Teachers Association plans to picket the board of education on May 13, demanding an end to a dispute that's left union members without a new contract for almost two years.

Port Jefferson TA President Laurie McMillen said "multiple unresolved issues" remain. The board is demanding a "significant increase" in the workday for teachers without adequate compensation, she said.

Dianne Hettrich, a NYSUT Board of Directors member whose district includes Port Jefferson, said union officials are hoping for a repeat of last year's East Meadow picket on Long Island, which attracted more than 2,000 supporters.

"It was a crisis situation then in East Meadow and it's a crisis situation now in Port Jefferson," Hettrich said.

The last contract for the local's 130 members expired in June 2006. The rally — which will include the theme, "We Are Port Jefferson, We Are NYSUT" — is to begin at 6 p.m., 90 minutes before the board's meeting.