'Frustrated.' Framingham teachers stage standouts to call attention to expired contract
FRAMINGHAM — Dozens of teachers started their day Wednesday with a sunrise standout outside local schools, calling attention to their expired contract and negotiations that have dragged on.
Before classes began, about 40 Framingham High School teachers lined the sidewalk outside the school's auditorium. Some bus drivers, as they wound around the parking lot after dropping off students, honked and waved in support.
One educator's sign proclaimed that this marked the second time in her 11 years at Framingham High she's "had to stand out in the freezing cold for a fair contract."
Some teachers are discouraged by the pace of negotiations.
"They need to come to an agreement that we are viable people for the community. I feel as if they don't value us as they should," said Sheila Hevey, a family and consumer science teacher.
Reached Wednesday afternoon, Priscila Sousa, chairwoman of the School Committee, said she could not comment on ongoing negotiations.
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The most recent contract for Unit A of the Framingham Teachers Association expired at the end of August, said union president Christine Mulroney. The unit includes employees such as teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, adjustment counselors, athletic coaches, school librarians and others.
Substitute teachers are not included.
Terms of a previous three-year agreement remain in effect until a successor pact is reached.
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Teachers also held standouts at Cameron Middle School and Stapleton and Brophy elementary schools on Wednesday. Some schools held their own on Tuesday.
Mulroney said bargaining has stretched for 10 months.
"We're frustrated and we want the community to know," she said.
The School Committee and district originally proposed a 0.75% pay bump over three years, she said, though she said they've since increased the offer. Mulroney said the deficit in the city's water-sewer account has been named as the reason for the modest increase.
Mulroney said she "strongly believes" that the sides can reach accord, but said a lack of progress has impeded negotiations. Two meetings had to be canceled — a mediator fell ill, causing the first meeting to fall through, and the second was axed due to a scheduling conflict.
That means four weeks have gone by without bargaining.
The district and the teachers have been able to find common ground on other educational matters.
Last week, the School Committee, administration and teachers union announced that they have approved an agreement on how to support students who are quarantining due to a "documented school-based exposure to COVID-19."
Included in the agreement, among other points, educators will provide independent work for quarantined students to complete at home and educators can choose to record a lesson for use with a student.
Teacher Lisa Barnes noted that the lengthy contract negotiations are happening alongside one of the tougher school years, as students have returned to full in-person learning after a year of remote or hybrid learning.
"All of that on top of this is ridiculous," said Barnes.
Zane Razzaq writes about education. Reach her at 508-626-3919 or zrazzaq@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Framingham teachers stand out to call attention to expired contract
