The Union of Gloucester Educators voted to strike on Thursday afternoon, after months of stalled contract negotiations with the School Committee.
The vote took place after school, with 98% of the present educators voting in favor of the strike. After the vote, Gloucester teachers, paraprofessionals and community members marched to City Hall for a press conference to officially announce their action.
“Teachers and paraprofessionals have been fighting for safe schools, paid parental leave, competitive wages, basic dignity and respect at work,” GTA President Rachel Rex said. “In all the time we have been at the table, the School Committee has done nothing but stall and reject our proposals. This leaves educators feeling exploited, ignored and frustrated.”
Gloucester teachers have been without a contract since August 31st. Paraprofessionals have been without a contract for 496 days.
Teacher strikes are illegal in Massachusetts, with union fines being a possible consequence. Despite its illegality, schools across Massachusetts have participated in strikes within the last year, including Newton and Andover. The Beverly Teachers’ Association also announced today that Beverly teachers are going on strike.
The School Committee released a statement accusing teachers of “political grandstanding” saying they are “deeply disappointed” in the vote. The committee raised concerns for the impact on students’ mental health, meal access, and more.
“I’m terribly sorry to announce that Gloucester Public Schools will be closed tomorrow because Gloucester teachers and paraprofessionals voted this afternoon to begin an illegal strike,” Superintendent Ben Lummis said in an email sent to Gloucester families. “We will communicate tomorrow about extracurricular activities including performing arts and athletics.”
Students and community members have backed Gloucester educators, with GHS students walking out of class to demonstrate on Thursday, and parents attending the GTA rally that took place before the last bargaining session on October 29th.
The next bargaining session is scheduled for November 12th, however, Rex said the negotiating team is ready to bargain “right now” and all through the weekend in order to reach a deal.
“Our team is willing to negotiate around the clock,” Rex said. “Anytime, any place, anywhere.”
