MTA statement on contract agreements reached in Marblehead and Beverly

Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy issued the following statement following strike-ending contract ratifications in Beverly and Marblehead:

The MTA congratulates the Beverly Teachers Association and Marblehead Education Association on securing fair contracts that address the pressing issues bearing down on educators and public schools in Massachusetts.

The BTA and MEA – along with the Union of Gloucester Educators – deserve the deep thanks of educators across the state and across the country for refusing to settle for anything less than what was needed to properly support students and educators.

The BTA and MEA faced formidable opposition from politicians and lawyers who exploit a legal system tilted against workers and their unions. But the educators in Beverly and Marblehead demonstrated where the real power lies. The members in those locals organized not just themselves but also their friends, family members and community advocates around the issues that matter to them and their students. These contract fights extended well beyond the bargaining table and out into the streets. It was beautiful to see how the community stands firmly on the side of the educators it trusts with its children’s education and upbringing.

Community members supported the educators in Beverly and Marblehead because they believed in what the unions were fighting for. It’s time for the elected school committee members, select board members, city councilors, mayors, representatives, senators and governor to likewise listen to educators and work with educators, rather than against them. We appreciate those elected officials who did speak up for educators and hope many more demonstrate such courage when the well-being of public schools is at stake.

Educator unions are leading the movement to ensure public education is fully funded and that public schools adapt and change to address the ever-evolving needs of students.

MTA members have been saying for years that educators should not have to fight to have fair pay and modern, humane parental and family medical leave benefits enjoyed by every other worker in the Commonwealth. Paraprofessionals should not have to fight to earn a living wage. There should not have to be a protracted fight to have safe schools that address the mental health and behavioral issues confronting our educators. School committees should not be allowed to stall and stall for months, and sometimes years, for our members to achieve a fair contract.

The contract victories in Marblehead, Beverly and Gloucester are testament to the love and support communities have for their public schools. Educator unions are leading the movement to ensure public education is fully funded and that public schools adapt and change to address the ever-evolving needs of students.

Congratulations to the educators in Marblehead and Gloucester for winning transformative contracts and for inspiring your communities to stand up for the schools they deserve.

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