Parents hold vigil for teachers in Massachusetts community as negotiations to end strike continue
BEVERLY - Parents took part in a vigil Sunday evening outside a Massachusetts elementary school, as they hope the teachers union and school committee can come to an agreement to end the teacher strike before Thanksgiving.
On Sunday, members of the teachers union and school committee in Beverly were meeting face to face to try and reach a deal. Parents at the vigil outside Hannah Elementary School told WBZ-TV they'll be supporting their teachers for as long as it takes to strike a fair deal.
In addition to the candlelight vigil, parents were also hosting a bake sale, raising funds to help the teachers union cover fines that they've been racking up over the weeks. Teacher strikes are illegal in Massachusetts and the union has been fined every day they aren't in the classroom.
Teachers are striking for benefits like better pay and paid family leave. The Beverly School Committee said they've had a fair offer on the table for days now. At the vigil, parents said teachers shouldn't agree to it unless they see fit.
"It's been a long two weeks," said parent Bonnie Keller. "Everybody's tired and ready to get back to school and this is the most important time for us to stand by our teachers."
In Marblehead, where teachers are also on strike, school has been canceled for Monday.
