Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
BEVERLY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Students from Beverly schools and their parents held a march in support of the Beverly Teachers Association.
This event was organized by Beverly Caregivers Supporting Teachers, a combination of students, parents, and other community members all working to help Beverly educators negotiate a fair contract.
The march started at Beverly High School at noon and traveled to Beverly City Hall.
Close to 2,000 people came out to show their support for the educators.
Beverly High student Hunter was one of those many people.
“I wouldn’t say I’m sad,” he said. “I'm glad we're out of school for a good cause. I'm using the time to get done homework, I'm coming out here a lot supporting the teachers.”
Read More: Negotiations Continue As Beverly Teacher Strike Cancels Sixth School Day
This occurred after 11 days of striking from the teachers as they continue to attempt negotiations with the school committee and mayor.
The two major sticking points are said to be higher wages for paraprofessionals and more paid parental leave.
That latter point in particular hits home for special education teachers like Stephanie.
“They’re losing dedicated educators because of poverty wages,” she said. “I still live at home with my parents, I'm 31 years old.”
Another educator affected by these low wages was Erin, who was holding a sign during the march that said “I had to quit this job I loved to pay my rent!!”
According to the school committee, progress has been made in the negotiations.
They also mentioned that if the strike continues on, spring break may be cut and students may even have to come into school on weekends, although these points have not yet been determined.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.
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