Video shows mayor making obscene gesture at striking teachers as tensions rise in Gloucester
GLOUCESTER - Tension between striking educators in Gloucester, Massachusetts and city negotiators couldn't be higher after video captured Mayor Greg Verga making an obscene gesture to a chanting crowd as he left contract negotiations Thursday night.
"It's shameful"
"It's shameful, it really is shameful," said Dan Graham, a high school social worker who is on the negotiating team.
"I'm a little shocked, I've been teaching in this school for 31 years, which is half of my life and we deserve better," said Rayanne Menery-Sammataro, a striking Gloucester High School teacher.
Mayor regrets gesture
The mayor sent out a video message saying he regrets what happened, and that his frustration was directed at a former public safety official he says hurled an insult at him.
"The gesture which I wish I hadn't done was directed toward that individual, not the crowd and certainly not the teachers. Anyone who knows me knows that this is out of character," said Verga.
The mayor released his own video showing chanting crowds in front of his home calling for his resignation that he said has frightened his wife and family. It's all an indication of the ill will that now surrounds the bargaining, which Graham insists is barely taking place.
"I would describe it as a game on their part to actually not come to the table," said Graham.
Parents frustrated
"It is very separated in this city now and it feels awful," said parent Erika Wall. A group of parents came together in front of City Hall to express their own frustration with both sides, saying the isolation of their children feels like the early weeks of the pandemic.
"We're all trying to work if we can from home and occupy the kids, keep up with their education if we can," said parent Amy Cavendar.
But the gesture from the Mayor has added fuel to the frustration, and as it circulates on social media parents say their children have clearly seen it.
"He is not setting a good example for our children, and he's not setting a good example for our city," said parent Emily Giovanni.