Haverhill educators’ contract makes important advances for schools
Haverhill educators’ contract makes important advances for schools
The following statement was issued today by MTA President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy:
The Massachusetts Teachers Association applauds the members of the Haverhill Education Association for their steadfast commitment to their students and their community in reaching a contract agreement that addresses decades of underfunding for the Haverhill Public Schools and their educators — and makes important advances in building safer and more racially just public schools.
The HEA has been drawing attention for years to the damaging effects of austerity budgeting forced upon the students and educators of Haverhill. After bringing commonsense proposals forward months ago and receiving no meaningful engagement, the HEA had no choice but to further organize its members and the community to demand a fair contract.
The courageous educators of the HEA withstood politically motivated attacks and legal manipulations designed to undermine their union and the labor movement more generally. While the other side played games, the HEA built on strong relationships with families and the whole Haverhill community. This struggle for a fair contract has strengthened powerful bonds between educators and parents that will benefit the public schools for years to come.
The solidarity shown by the Haverhill Education Association was unstoppable and unforgettable.
Students, parents, community activists and educators from our MTA locals across the state — as well as state and federal elected leaders — spoke out in support of the Haverhill educators. Their support helped validate the fight the HEA took on and kept educators motivated to stay strong and stand together.
The solidarity shown by the Haverhill Education Association was unstoppable and unforgettable. Today, educators across the Commonwealth and across the nation can draw inspiration from the members of the Haverhill Education Association.