The union representing Newton teachers is currently facing escalating fines as their strike persists into the week. In a recent development, Judge Christopher Barry-Smith has made a ruling in Middlesex Superior Court. The Newton Teachers Association has been ordered to pay a significant fine of $25,000 if the ongoing strike is not resolved by 8 p.m. Monday.
The NTA faces a potential doubling of the fine as the teachers’ strike persists. In the event that the strike persists beyond 8 p.m. Tuesday, the union will face a fine of $50,000. Should the strike persist through 8 p.m. Wednesday, the fine will increase to $100,000.
If the strike continues until 8 p.m. on Thursday, a court hearing will be arranged for noon on Friday. Teachers have resumed their picket line duties on Monday due to the ongoing closure of schools. The NTA and the Newton School Committee were unable to reach an agreement during negotiations on Sunday evening.
“We regret to inform you that Newton’s schools will be closed again tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 22,” stated Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller. A parent of a Newton Public Schools student expressed their perspective on the current situation, emphasizing the importance of finding a resolution that is both manageable and ideal. They expressed the hope for all parties involved to come together in a respectful and amicable manner, while also acknowledging the need for necessary actions to be taken.
As the strike by Newton teachers continues, families in the area are facing the challenge of finding alternative childcare options. This unexpected situation has left many parents with no choice but to bear the financial burden of paying for childcare services themselves.
“There have been advancements made on several minor proposals.” Denise Cremin, a teacher, expressed that there have been other proposals where there is still a significant gap between us and the School Committee.
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Both parties have expressed that there is a significant disagreement regarding compensation. The School Committee has declared the proposal put forth by the Newton Teachers Association as unsustainable.
“The number is currently unattainable in any scenario,” said the speaker. “It would necessitate significant reductions in programs and services for our children,” stated Chris Brezski, Chair of the Newton School Committee.
As teachers continued their strike, approximately 12,000 students were once again absent from school on Monday. The teachers’ union and the Newton School Committee have expressed their concerns over the slow progress being made.
A Middlesex Superior Court Judge has granted an injunction filed by the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board. The judge has ordered the union to “immediately cease and desist from engaging or threatening to engage in this strike or work stoppage.”
In a significant development, the judge has issued an order requiring the union to make a public statement declaring the cancellation of the strike and the cessation of any further strike action. This statement must be made by 3 p.m. on Sunday. An official statement was issued, stating that participating in a strike is considered illegal and must be stopped immediately. The order also emphasized that all members involved must promptly resume their work.
In addition to the cancellation of classes on Monday, Superintendent Anna Nolin has announced that all school-related events and activities will be postponed until the strike comes to an end. Meal pickups will be available for families in need as long as the strike continues.
