Unionized educators rally outside of Newton City Hall last week. Photo: Courtesy of Newton Teachers Association
NEWTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Newton teachers strike continued for another day Friday, leaving schools closed for the sixth day in a row.
The Newton Teachers Association has been pushing for higher wages, more paternal leave, more social workers in schools, and other stipulations. The union's repeated attempts to reach a contract agreement with the Newton School Committee have not been successful, with Thursday's talks ending without a deal.
On Friday, hundreds of educators, parents, and students gathered at Newton City Hall for a rally. One by one, students took the microphone and advocated for their teachers.
"We’ve stood through below freezing temperatures for seven days, we’re willing to do it for eight," one student said. "There is simply no other way. Fully fund the Newton Public Schools."
"This teachers strike is delaying my school, so I can’t learn, but I fully support and understand what the teachers are asking for, and it will surely make our schools a better place for everyone," another student said.
"I love my school and I love my teachers," said another student. "I’m really sad and I want to go back to school."
The union currently owes the state $375,000 in fines for the illegal strike.
"We are asking the NTA to compromise and collaborate," the Newton School Committee said in a statement Friday. "The School Committee has made multiple revisions and restructured its proposals in response to NTA requests. In fact, we will soon submit an affidavit to the Superior Court verifying our good faith participation in the mediation every day. This affidavit, submitted under penalty of perjury, affirms that we have been bargaining in good faith every day and have been moving proposals forward to the NTA within the mediation process."
Both sides were scheduled for a court hearing Friday to "discuss a more meaningful approach to ensuring compliance with the law."
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