Teacher negotiations in 3 Massachusetts towns remain at standstill with school committees
BEVERLY - Striking teachers in three Massachusetts districts ended the weekend at a standstill Sunday, unable to reach an agreement with their school committees.
The teachers unions now have one more day to work out a deal or else school will be closed on Tuesday in Gloucester and Beverly. Marblehead already announced school would be closed on Tuesday and no extracurriculars or sports would take place.
"I'm the parent of a senior football player and a sophomore football player," said Jon Wales, whose children attend Marblehead High School. He said his sons work hard to play and if the strike isn't settled, they may miss their game this coming Friday. "If we can't prepare and play, we have to forfeit."
Better wages, adequate recess
All three teachers unions are asking for better wages and paid family leave.
"We have repeatedly asked for responses on key issues that divide us most," said Kathleen Clancy, the chair of the Gloucester School Committee. "Those are salaries, new benefits and vital collaboration time."
They're also asking for non-financial proposals, like longer lunch and recess breaks for elementary school students.
"We have many proposals on the table that do not have a financial impact," said Andrea Sherman, the co-president of the Beverly Teachers Association.
"It does seem that the demand for wages and what is a so-called living wage seems to be at the forefront," said Rachael Abell, the chair of Beverly's school committee.
"But until we hear more from them, it certainly looks like the kids are part of some kind of strategy, unfortunately," said Wales.
A rally in support of striking teachers from all three districts will take place Monday at 2 p.m. at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester.
Where do the three districts stand?
In Marblehead, the Marblehead Education Association filed an unfair labor practice charge with the Department of Labor Relations, claiming the school committee refused to bargain on Sunday. Negotiations resume Monday morning. Classes, extracurriculars and athletic events have all been canceled for Tuesday.
The Gloucester Teachers Association and the school committee negotiated Sunday but did not come to an agreement. Superintendent Ben Lummis said there's no decision yet on if school will be open on Tuesday. Sunday night, the school committee said that the Gloucester Teachers Association has been directed by the state court to end its strike by 10 a.m. Monday and return to work. If not, "they will face further action from the court."
The Beverly School Committee said they continued negotiations with the Beverly Teachers Association Sunday with no deal reached. Bargaining will resume Monday morning at 9 a.m. They have not said if school will be open on Tuesday.
