DLR Directs Medford Schools, Teachers Union To Continue Negotiations

MEDFORD, MA — The Department of Labor Relations determined Tuesday that negotiations between the Medford School Committee and the Medford Teachers Association (MTA) must continue without mediation.

The decision comes a month after the Medford School Committee decided that negotiations with the Medford Teachers Association (MTA) had reached an impasse.

"Having reviewed the parties’ written submissions, the Department has determined that it will continue to retain jurisdiction of this matter,” the DLR wrote in a letter to the two parties. "It is apparent from the parties’ submissions however, that there is still potential movement available to the parties, and the parties would benefit from continued face to face negotiations prior to commencing the mediation process." As such, the parties are directed to schedule face to face bargaining sessions and continue to work towards a resolution.”

"Once the parties have bargained, they can report back to the Department their progress towards resolution of their differences and a decision will be made on the appropriateness of mediation at that time,” the letter continues.

The DLR asked the School Committee and MTA to report back on their progress by Nov. 4.

Current issues at stake include teacher salaries, updated policies and contract language changes, class sizes for English Learner/newcomer classes, and resources for special education and inclusion classes.