Melrose Educators Union Shows Support For Striking Teachers

MELROSE, MA — Educators Union President Leslie Means announced on behalf of her entire organization that it endorses teachers who are partaking in ongoing strikes in the nearby communities of Marblehead and Beverly.

Beverly educators began striking on Nov. 8, with Marblehead following soon after on Nov. 12. Gloucester educators also were on strike for 11 days, but reached a deal with their district on Friday, Nov. 22.

"The Melrose Educators Union stands in solidarity with striking locals in Beverly and Marblehead,” The MEU said in a joint statement. “These educators are fighting for competitive wages, respect and dignity in the workplace, improved learning and teaching conditions, and a living wage for critical Paraprofessional staff.”

Means expressed her belief that local officials are not negotiating with the striking teachers in good faith. She argues that teachers have a better understanding of what resources are necessary to provide for a good education.

“Taking a vote to strike is something educators do with a heavy heart, it is our absolute last resort, and a step that is only taken when it is clear that city and town management has little respect or understanding for the members or the work they do with students every day,” Means said. “These politicians do not care about the fact that education has become much more than a 40 hour a week job.”

Beverly broke the state record for longest strike on Tuesday as it entered its 12th day.