BEVERLY Standout teachers In three Massachusetts districts, the weekend ended on a Sunday without results because they failed to reach an agreement with their school committees.
The teachers unions I now have one day left to reach a deal, otherwise the school will be closed on Tuesday Gloucester and Beverly. Marblehead had already announced that the school would be closed on Tuesday and that there would be no extracurricular activities or sports.
“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 are working hard to play and if the strike is not resolved, they may miss their game next Friday. “If we can’t prepare and play, we have to give up.”
Better wages, sufficient breaks
All three teachers unions are asking for better wages and paid family leave.
“We have repeatedly asked for answers on the important issues that most divide us,” said Kathleen Clancy, chair of the Gloucester School Committee. “Those are salaries, new benefits and essential collaboration time.”
They also ask for non-financial proposals, such as longer lunch breaks and recess for primary school students.
“We have a lot of proposals on the table that have no financial impact,” said Andrea Sherman, co-president of the Beverly Teachers Association.
“It seems like the question of wages and what a so-called living wage is seems to be at the forefront,” said Rachael Abell, chair of Beverly’s school committee.
“But until we hear more from them, it unfortunately appears that the children are part of some strategy,” Wales said.
A rally in support of striking teachers from all three districts will take place at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester on Monday at 2pm.
Where are the three districts?
In Marblehead, the Marblehead Education Association filed an unfair labor practice charge with the state Department of Labor Relations, alleging the school committee refused to negotiate on Sunday. Negotiations will resume on Monday morning. Classes, extracurricular activities and athletic events have all been canceled for Tuesday.
The Gloucester Teachers Association and the school committee negotiated Sunday but failed to reach an agreement. Superintendent Ben Lummis said there has been no decision yet on whether the school will be open Tuesday. On Sunday evening, the school committee said the Gloucester Teachers Association has been ordered by the state court to end the strike at 10 a.m. Monday and return to work. If not, “they will expect further action from the court.”
The Beverly School Committee said it continued negotiations with the Beverly Teachers Association on Sunday without reaching an agreement. Negotiations will resume Monday morning at 9 a.m. It has not yet been said whether the school will be open on Tuesday.
Samantha Chaney
