Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
GLOUCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Gloucester teachers are prepared to continue striking amidst contract negotiations.
While students enjoyed a long weekend, the Gloucester School Committee (GSC) and the Gloucester Teachers Association (GTA) were at the bargaining table trying to reach a new contract agreement. The GTA voted to go on strike on Nov. 7, just before the Veteran’s Day long weekend.
Massachusetts Superior Court judge issued an order to announce an end to their strike by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, or risk potential fines. Prior to the state court’s deadline, Gloucester paraprofessional Margaret Rudolph indicated that the strikes would continue.
“Things need to change in the system and this is, unfortunately, how we have to do it,” said Rudolph. “We are going to be striking until we make movement on the contract.”
GSC Chair Kathleen Clancy confirmed to WBZ NewsRadio that they had not reached an agreement, releasing a statement shortly after the state court’s deadline passed.
“The Gloucester School Committee hoped that the unions would put students first and end this harmful disruption to learning while continuing with the mediation process. However, that is not the case. The School Committee will continue to mediate throughout the day and remains committed to reaching an agreement and getting students back in school tomorrow where they belong. Every day matters,” said Clancy in the statement.
Read More: Teachers In Beverly And Gloucester Go On Strike Friday, Closing Schools
A rally is planned for 2:00 p.m. Monday at Stage Fort Park alongside striking Beverly teachers and Marblehead teachers, who voted to authorize a strike on Friday. Rudolph said she hopes the strikes on the North Shore will lead to better pay for teachers nationwide.
“If you go on TikTok or Instagram if you put in [anything about teachers], you will see teachers struggling all over the country and this is just the beginning,” said Rudolph.
The GSC said Gloucester Superintendent Ben Lummis will update the Gloucester community by 6:00 p.m. on Monday. If school are closed on Tuesday, Gloucester Public Schools still plans to provide meals for pick-up at some of the city’s schools.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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