Melrose teachers vote to strike, negotiations to resume Saturday
MELROSE - Teachers in Melrose are preparing to strike following the holiday weekend if they can't come to a contract agreement with the city.
On Friday afternoon, the Melrose Education Association, with over 90% of the membership present, voted 99% to authorize a strike.
"We want to be in front of our kids and we don't want to have to strike," said Melrose teacher Joellen Beaudet. "Unfortunately, the educators in Melrose have been screaming for help from the district for months and months and months and we haven't gotten anywhere."
Lisa Donovan, president of the Melrose Education Association tells WBZ they're asking for a cost-of-living increase.
"Our contract expired June 30th and it has been frustrating at best," Donovan said.
The MEA will meet with the school committee Saturday morning to continue negotiations.
Donovan said without proper funding, the needs of Melrose students cannot be met.
"Not having a settled fair contract in the long term it will be harmful to the Melrose Public Schools because you won't attract and you certainly won't retain quality educators," Donovan said.
Fifth grade teacher Joellen Beudet said the problem has left schools "severely understaffed."
Now parents are planning ahead for the possibility of a strike. Fortunately, Ellen Steward works remotely. She says she supports the Melrose Education Association's decision and is opening her home to her son's friends who may need childcare.
"You do certainly feel sympathy for the families that may not have family nearby, things like that, because
then it makes this kind of situation makes a little more challenging for them," said Steward.
And her son is hoping he won't have to miss school next week.
"Hopefully we can get it done this weekend, so we'll be back to normal on Tuesday," said student Deacon Steward.
"The fact that this contract situation has been going on and dragging on for so long is really upsetting," Ellen Steward said.
In a statement the Melrose School Committee says in part quote, "we've made many generous and fair offers that have been rejected."
In response to the strike, Mayor Paul Brodeur said, "closing schools is harmful to students and will create a burden for many of our parents and caregivers who may need to find alternative care for their children."
In Massachusetts, public employees are prohibited from striking. The union is holding a rally at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
