Newton schools to remain closed for 3rd day amid ongoing strike; union fined $25,000
For a third straight day, classes are canceled in Newton amid an ongoing teacher strike after the union and the city failed to reach an agreement on Monday.
The Newton Teachers Association says schools will be closed across the city on Tuesday while negotiations resume.
The union is facing a $25,000 fine after failing to return to work following Monday’s 8 p.m. deadline issued by Middlesex Superior Court Judge Christopher Barry-Smith.
If the strike is still not called off by Tuesday at 8 p.m., the fine increases to $50,000.
#BREAKING: Newton Teachers Association says school will again be closed tomorrow across the city.
The city and NTA negotiated for hours today but were unable to meet an agreement.
Negotiations are over tonight. The city will propose an offer at noon tomorrow. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/KNe4taF47K— Daniel Coates (@danielcoates_25) January 23, 2024
“We were disappointed today at the lack of progress made at the negotiating table,” a spokesperson for the Newton Teachers Association said in a press conference Monday night. “We will not return to the classroom until we get a contract that is good for our students, is good for all of us, is going to make sure that our students are safe, that they have the support that they need.”
“There’s no reason for this strike...it’s only harming our students,” Newton School Committee Chair Christopher Brezski said. “We need a contract that will allow the Newton Public Schools to provide the services that our students require. We believe the school committee has put that proposal on the table.”
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller is also imploring the union to get the teachers back in the classroom.
“I believe in collective bargaining but I don’t support illegal strikes,” she said in a statement. “The School Committee is offering right now an agreement that will provide competitive wages and benefits to our teachers without requiring layoffs of essential city employees - including teachers - later.”
Among the union’s demands are a social worker in every school building and better parental leave. The two sides have been negotiating for more than a year.
They will return to the negotiating table Tuesday at noon, according to the NTA president.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
