"Cautiously optimistic"; Andover hoping to reach settlement with teachers before start of school Monday
ANDOVER - Students in Andover missed school Friday as the Andover School Committee and members of the Andover Education Association tried to reach a settlement that would prevent the strike from going into next week.
Hundreds of teachers and supporters gathered on the town green chanting "contract now!" They're demanding raises, more class prep time, and benefits.
State labor officials say the strike is illegal. They're pursuing a court order to stop it and have sent a state mediator to help with negotiations.
According to the AEA, bargaining teams met for approximately eight hours on Friday.
"Our strike vote has initiated the kind of bargaining we have wanted for months," the AEA said in a statement. "We have a lot of ground to cover, but both sides are talking and that is because the community has voiced its support for what educators are fighting for."
Negotiations continued Saturday. Matt Bach, President of the Andover Educator Association gave an update to the ongoing discussion Saturday night.
"We have made some real significant progress throughout the day on a lot of issues that were really important to our members including paid family leave and parental leave and extra recess for students at the elementary schools. And we are working still on getting the financial package complete and we're going to stay here all night if necessary because the union is committed to getting this deal done and committed to trying to get our teachers back to the classrooms on Monday. We are hopeful, we are cautiously optimistic tonight," Bach said.
Bach explained that the deal is contingent on the financial package.
"It's awesome," said fifth grader Michael Barry. "I think it's better being at school 'cause you get to learn," said his second grade brother Charlie. "I really think that what they're asking for isn't unreasonable and if having my kids at home to support that is what we need to do, then it's what we'll do," said their mother, Stephanie.
The school committee posted a statement saying, "Our offers increase salaries and wages, provide additional...prep time, and expand parental leave, while staying within our budget parameters..."
Pay for instructional aides is a sticking point. "You can get an entry level food service job for that money and what we do is a lot harder," said Judy Bogasian, a member of the negotiating team.
"I'm a 5th grade teacher," said Frank McCall, who led teachers in a chant. "I left business 23 years ago because I thought I would love teaching. I love it. This is my last year. Get me back in there!"
The AEA said Saturday afternoon that they are prepared to continue bargaining on Sunday, and that the strike will not stop until they reach a fair deal.
