Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BEVERLY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Amidst ongoing teacher strikes, educators were up bright and early to rally on Monday in Beverly, Mass.
As negotiations continue between the Beverly Teachers Association (BTA) and the Beverly School Committee (BSC), students were forced to stay home for a sixth school day. Beverly High School teacher Caddy Cicogna was one of many educators hitting the picket lines outside the school Monday morning.
At a press conference Sunday night, BTA negotiators claimed the BSC has “no interest in opening schools” as the union faces a potential increase in fines imposed by the Department of Labor. Cicogna said they are charged and ready to continue their fight.
“We have to stand our ground, not just for ourselves, but for our students as well [so they can have] the public schools that they deserve,” said Cicogna. “We know that this strike, although it’s affecting our students right now, so many other things that the school committee has let happen for years are affecting our students.”
In a statement Sunday night, the BSC pointed the blame at the BTA for the lack of progress in negotiations.
“We are disappointed by refusals by the BTA leadership to negotiate or alter their demands on issues like salaries and to change baseline agreements like the length of the contract in a way that moves the goal posts and sets us further back,” said BSC President Rachael Abell in the statement.
Read More: Beverly School Community Holds March in Support of Educator Strike
Beverly teachers rallying on Monday morning, as contract negotiations continue. Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
The BSC also said they are trying to figure out how to make up at least six school days. No plan has been officially announced, but Cicogna believes vacation weeks will be impacted.
“Schools in the past have taken away either a February or an April break and then tacked on days to the end of the school year,” said Cicogna.
Gloucester and Marblehead teachers are also currently striking, but there has been more progress reported in those communities.
According to state law, it is illegal for teachers to strike in Massachusetts and the unions could face additional fines as the strikes continue.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok