Newton City, Teachers Union Tentatively Agree To New Contract

NEWTON, MA — The Newton teachers union and School Committee have tentatively agreed to a new contract, the union and the school committee confirmed Tuesday night.

"While I cannot yet disclose details, I can confirm that I feel great about it," Union President Mike Zilles told Patch.

School Committee chair person Ruth Goldman echoed that optimistic sentiment.

"We should be in a position to release details tomorrow, but for now we are feeling very excited about what we believe is a very respectful settlement that shows how much we value and appreciate our wonderful, talented Newton teachers, support staff and administrators," Goldman told Patch in an email. "We are grateful for the hard work of both negotiating teams and very happy to be on the other side of this important agreement."

Zilles sent an email to members telling them Tuesday evening their job action, and protests could stop.

"What we can say now is that we have earned the respect and due consideration that we have been fighting for," said Zilles in the email. "We believe this agreement is a major win for all members for the NTA."

The last contract, a one-year collective bargaining agreement for the teachers expired at the end of August. Union officials and district officials have been negotiating for more than a year to agree to a new contract.

Under Massachusetts law, employers are required to pay their employees under the last public sector union contract - complete with any built in "step" raises- in operation, even if it's expired.

State law also says that unions can only negotiate contracts that are only good for up to three years into the future, according to Matt Hills who used to chair the Newton School Committee.
The uptick in job action in Newton follows the three-day all out teacher strike in Dedham. That concluded with a new contract agreement, too.

Brookline teachers are also petitioning for an updated contract.

Previously:

Newton Teachers Push Again For Job Contract ...

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).