Contract talks break down, schools closed in Newton Friday as teachers continue strike
NEWTON - It was a day of drama, dejection, and rising frustrations at the bargaining table, as negotiations between the Newton Teachers Association and school leaders took one step forward on Wednesday, then two steps back on Thursday.
"We are united, we are unbreakable, and we are stronger than these politicians because unlike them we are fighting for something," said Newton teacher Ryan Normandin.
School was cancelled for a sixth day after failed negotiations.
"I am so tired of the strategy of delay, delay, delay it's like being in a prize fight," said NTA President Mike Zilles.
"Unfortunately, in the afternoon, progress broke down, the day did not end on a positive note," said School Committee President Chris Brezski.
Both sides had made headway on a proposal for 60 days paid parental leave, but the union says the school committee suddenly pulled the rug.
"This rejection of the policy, this inability to negotiate with our team is inhumane," said teacher Kathryn Teissier Du Cros.
With the strike still on, now the union owes the state $375,000 in fines. Court documents show the union has $422,000 cash on hand and other investments.
On Friday, a judge will be holding a hearing to find another way to end the strike.
A frustrated parent asked the union president why they can't keep negotiating while the children are at school. The president apologized, saying teachers want to be back in the classroom with their students, but the school committee has left them no choice.
"We do need to get the children back to school absolutely, as soon as possible. And I hope that the judge does not give them hope tomorrow that they can keep us out longer and beat us," said Zilles.
Officials say tensions got so high; a group of teachers showed up to Mayor Ruthanne Fuller's office demanding change but were escorted out.
"What they did today was not role modeling, what I think our adults would be doing here in Newton," said Mayor Fuller. "They pushed past the office staff, they started pounding on the door, I was in a meeting in with our parks commissioner, that's not a way to send me a message."
And as for the children who've been out of class for six days, the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton has opened its doors with meals, snacks and activities.
About 150 kids have found a safe space each day so their parents can work, and leaders say there's more room for more.
"We're going to do this as long as it takes," said Executive Director David Sellers. "Just to be able to have that parent go to work so they feel good and support their family by doing that-that's what keeps my team going and we're so proud of our team for doing it."
Negotiations are set to pick back up at 9:30 a.m. Friday.
The lawyers will go before the judge at noon Friday on the compliance hearing.