Teachers in Haverhill, Malden School Districts vote to strike on Monday
HAVERHILL - Two Massachusetts communities are facing a teachers strike that can begin as early as Monday.
Both Malden and Haverhill teachers unions voted overwhelmingly to strike on Friday night after months of stalled negotiations with their respective districts.
Haverhill teachers say they make about $10,000 less a year on average compared to other districts. After they worked through the pandemic, they hoped the district would present a good offer, especially with federal and state funds allocated for education.
"We came out day in and day out and stood up for the city, stood up for the 8,000 students that come to our halls, and we made sure they got educated, we made sure they got fed, we made sure people cared for them," said Barry Davis, VP of the Haverhill Education Association.
Those lower salaries have made it hard for the school to fill positions, a reality even parents notice.
Meri Holmes has two girls in Haverhill Public Schools. She's concerned the staffing shortages are impacting her youngest's access to a reading aide.
"Her classroom helper, she got pulled out to help a classroom upstairs," Holmes said. "So now she is missing out on the help that she was supposed to get because that teacher had to go upstairs to help other classrooms that were lacking the help."
In an email to parents, Haverhill School Superintendent Margaret Marotta said, "We know that teachers have been forced to endure unforeseen challenges in the classroom over the past several years. Teachers deserve a contract that recognizes their hard work and dedication, and we are hopeful that an agreement will be reached this weekend and the strike will not occur."
Teachers hope so, too.
"With inflation, and what we have been through these last couple years, it's time to write the wrongs of the past," Davis said.
Ligia Noreia-Murphy, Superintendent of Malden Public Schools said, "This maneuver by leaders of the Malden Education Association may be intended to send a message to school district leaders, but ultimately, it is our students and families who suffer the consequences of these tactics."
If school is canceled, the districts are coming up with childcare plans for families.