A judge in Massachusetts has announced plans to suspend accumulating fines against striking teachers from three local districts if they return to work by Monday.
The ongoing labor action has left schools closed in Beverly, Gloucester, and Marblehead, marking the close of another week as teachers continue to protest.
This strike has prompted thousands of students to miss class, leading to concerns that schools may need to hold additional classes on weekends and during scheduled breaks to meet the state’s 180-day educational requirement— a challenge that could be exacerbated by potential snow days.
An Essex County Superior Court judge indicated that if no agreement is reached by 6 p.m. Sunday, a mediator will step in to facilitate negotiations between the striking educators and local authorities.
In Massachusetts, teacher strikes are prohibited by law.
Teachers in Beverly announced on Thursday that they have scaled back their salary demands, but accused local officials of prolonging the bargaining process. Union leaders expressed their readiness to engage in continuous discussions if needed.
“The lack of progress from the school committee is why classes remain canceled. We genuinely want to negotiate and return to the classroom,” said Andrea Sherman, co-president of the Beverly Teachers Association.
In response, Rachael Abell, president of the Beverly School Committee, criticized the union for turning down a proposal that included nearly $2 million in salary increases for educators and paraprofessionals.
“The union did not spend adequate time reviewing our offer and instead insisted on their original demands, which are far beyond what the city can afford,” she commented after recent discussions.
The educators’ union in Beverly is advocating for reduced class sizes in their 4,500-student district, the implementation of 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and a “living wage” for paraprofessionals, who currently earn a starting salary of $20,000.
Meanwhile, in Gloucester, the teachers’ union representing the 2,800-student district has requested a minimum of eight weeks of fully paid parental leave, alongside substantial pay raises for paraprofessionals, improved safety conditions for students, and additional preparation time for elementary educators.
On November 12, judges imposed an initial fine of $50,000 on the teacher unions in Beverly and Gloucester, with the penalty increasing by $10,000 for each day the strike continues. The unions authorize the strike on November 7, resulting in ongoing school closures.
Governor Maura Healey is advocating for the swift return of students to their classrooms.
“I urge both sides to come to an agreement promptly for the benefit of our children, their families, educators, and staff,” Healey stated on Tuesday.