The Newton teachers’ strike will continue into its seventh day Monday, as bitter disputes between the union and School Committee kept on and negotiations failed over the weekend.
The Newton teachers’ strike will keep classes closed for the seventh day Monday, as bitter disputes between the union and School Committee kept on and negotiations failed over the weekend.
“They don’t want the kids back tomorrow,” said Newton Teachers Association President Mike Zilles in a fiery press conference at 7:30 p.m. “That was clear. They don’t care about when the kids go back. They care about getting a cheap contract from us.”
The NTA voted to go on strike on Friday, Jan. 19 nearly five months after their contract expired. Though classes were cancelled Monday, both sides stated they would return to the bargaining table after 8 p.m.
“We remain at the Newton Education Center and await the union’s return to the bargaining table, so we can get our students back to school,” the School Committee said in a 6 p.m. statement.
Over the negotiations, the union has called for provisions including adding mental health supports to every school, increasing paid parental leave and big cost of living raises, especially for positions like teachers aides and behavior therapists.
