Posts tagged Andover Education Association
Massachusetts Teachers Illegal Strike Wave Rolls On
January 17, 2024 // Public school workers can’t legally strike in Massachusetts—but Andover’s is just one of a series of school unions that have struck over the last four years, defying the ban, and in some cases paying heavy fines as a result. The Massachusetts Teachers Association is pushing for legislation that would legalize public sector strikes after six months of bargaining.
Andover teachers sign new contract, ending strike after 5 days of negotiations
November 16, 2023 // While the School Committee expressed its excitement about the end of the strike, it also noted that with the increased teacher salaries provided under the new contract terms that were agreed upon, it must consider cuts to programs, services and school department staff beginning with the next academic year. "We heard clearly from the teachers and many in the community that teacher and instructional assistant pay was the priority in this agreement and we responded accordingly," Spruce said in her statement. "At the same time, the final agreement is inconsistent with the principles of the town’s long-range financial plan so, to live within our means, we will need to make meaningful program, service, and staff reductions." The School Committee stated that Andover's long-range financial plan includes 3.75% annual increases to the school department's budget allocation and that without budget reductions, the tentative agreement with the Andover Education Association will push the town past that figure.
Andover cancels classes for third day as teachers strike continues; union fined $50K
November 14, 2023 // The announcement from the Andover School Committee came hours after an Essex Superior Court judge ruled that the union representing Andover educators will face incremental fines if teachers continue their strike, which began Friday. Advertisement A court order states that if the strike did not end by 6 p.m. Monday, the Andover Education Association would be fined $50,000. The court order also states that if the strike remains ongoing by 3 p.m. Tuesday, the union will be fined another $60,000 and faces fines that will be increased by an additional $10,000 for every day the strike continues.