Who doesn’t like it when schools are shut, and everyone gets to relax at home? However, the situation at Newton is quite different.
In fact, it has been quite the tumultuous week in Newton, with schools shut down for more than a week due to a teachers’ strike.
Newton teachers hit the picket lines on January 19, 2024, leaving students without classes for over a week. But why are Newton teachers on strike, and what’s the big fuss all about?
On January 19, 2024, Newton teachers initiated a strike, pushing for better pay and more support staff. They aim for salary increases of 3% to 5% over the next four years, an extra 300 monthly work hours for school aides, higher starting wages, and at least one social worker per school. Massachusetts prohibits teacher strikes, resulting in fines and a hefty $375,000 penalty for the union.
What’s the Reason Behind Newton Teachers Going on Strike?
Negotiations for a new contract prompted the recent Newton teachers’ strike, as 98% of teachers voted in favor. These educators have been toiling without a contract since the school year began, and they’ve had enough.
Teacher Denise Cremin expressed their frustration, stating (via CBS News):
“I don’t want to be here. I want to be in my classroom. I want to be with my students. But we are left with no choice other than to be here to send a message.”
But is that all that has got them riled up? No, there’s more.
The union’s demands encompass improved compensation and increased support staff.
They seek salary hikes ranging from 3% to 5% for the upcoming four years, an additional 300 work hours per month for school aides, higher initial wage levels, and the assignment of at least one social worker per school building.
While the teachers’ strike has garnered attention, it’s crucial to note that teacher strikes are illegal in Massachusetts.
Consequently, the union may face hefty fines. School committee chair Christopher Brezski lamented the situation, acknowledging the discontent with the offered contract. However, he emphasized the need to sustain the organization.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller chimed in, stating that the city has allocated funding for a fair contract. Still, she highlighted that additional school funding might necessitate contributions from taxpayers.
Fuller also underscored the importance of keeping the negotiation table for adults and classrooms for students, expressing concern about the Newton Teachers Association putting children in the middle.
This strike has not been without consequences, as teachers are accruing fines due to the illegality of teacher strikes in Massachusetts. In fact, the union currently owes $375,000 in penalties. The situation begs the question: why are teacher strikes illegal in Massachusetts?
The state law isn’t limited to teachers; it encompasses all public employees. It prohibits public workers from striking or encouraging any work stoppage.
Violations often lead to substantial fines, as seen in Newton’s case. The law’s aim is to ensure that vital public services, such as education, are not disrupted, especially in critical situations like emergencies or crises.
Efforts are underway to change these laws in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) has proposed a bill that would allow strikes for teachers and various public employees after six months of failed negotiations.
While the bill had a hearing in the fall, it has yet to advance further in the legislative process.
The prospect of changing these laws faces challenges, with Governor Maura Healey and other top Democrats, including House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka, opposing teacher strikes.
Teacher strikes have made headlines recently, with increasing labor movements and unionization efforts gaining momentum.
A Newton parent, Lital Asher-Dotan, took legal action by filing a court motion on Monday.
She urged a judge to compel the Newton Teachers Association to bring an end to the ongoing strike, contending that it’s adversely affecting her children, who are students in the district.
The motion argues that the strike is impinging on their state’s constitutional right to receive a public education.
Asher-Dotan, frustrated with the extended school closure, emphasized the anxiety it’s causing her children, particularly her dyslexic sophomore daughter, who is feeling increasingly concerned about the disruption to their academic routine.
As it stands, Newton teachers remain on strike, with no resolution in sight after the school committee rejected a last-minute proposal from the union.
The strike has raised concerns about its sustainability and the potential for citywide layoffs.
While the strike continues, the future remains uncertain for both teachers and students in Newton. Will their demands be met, or will the standoff persist? Time will tell.
Do you think the strike will continue indefinitely? Who will cave in first?
Let us know your opinions in the comments below.
