Tensions escalate as contract negotiations drag on

Tensions rose between the School Committee and the Union of Gloucester Educators, sparking a demonstration outside of West Parish Elementary Thursday night. 

Teachers and paraprofessionals expressed outrage at a press conference when the School Committee “assured the union an updated wage counterproposal for paraprofessionals”, but instead reasserted their October 22nd wage proposal, UGE Co-President Rachel Rex said. 

“We were given a bag of lies,” bargaining team member Rich Francis said. “We expected that both sides would work together on this, but now we’re not sure where this is going to take us.” 

Gloucester educators have been on strike for 7 days with minimal progress. Wages have been a major sticking point throughout the negotiating process, particularly for paraprofessionals who have been without a contract for 504 days. 

“Why are these people not being held accountable,” paraprofessional Patricia Reed said. “I’m held accountable every single day. I have to show up to school on time. I’m there until every child leaves the building.” 

Crowds rallied around School Committee members as they left the school, chanting “pay our paras” and “shame on you”. There was heavy police presence during the rally, with educators later gathering outside of Mayor Verga’s house. 

Bargaining is expected to resume tomorrow and throughout the weekend.