Worcester Teachers To Confront School Committee Over Stalled Contract

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester teachers will put pressure on district officials this week with a rally at the upcoming school committee meeting.

The Thursday rally comes after teachers picketed outside schools earlier this month to draw attention to their lack of a contract. Members of the Educational Association of Worcester union have been without a contract since August, but began negotiations 16 months ago.

The school committee has been meeting in executive session with EAW bargaining units recently, including a meeting held Monday, and more confidential negotiation sessions on Thursday.

One of the top issues for teachers in the negotiations: wages that have not kept pace with neighboring districts, leading to a brain-drain in Worcester.

"We want to solve the systemic problems plaguing our school system. As it stands now, wages are making it impossible to attract and retain the high-quality staff our schools need and that our students deserve. Without a significant investment now and continued commitment from Worcester’s elected officials to address the social, emotional and academic needs of all of our students, we will experience a crisis in our schools," the EAW said in a news release Tuesday.

Worcester Public Schools is still in the midst of forming the fiscal year 2024 budget, which may chart the path of negotiations. Worcester is expecting $16.4 million in new Student Opportunity Act funds this year, but will also see federal pandemic stimulus money start to phase out. The first public view of the budget will come on May 12.

Thursday's demonstration will precede a possible vote of no confidence in the school committee set to take place next week, according to the EAW.

Thursday's rally will begin at 5 p.m. outside Worcester City Hall.

Correction: An earlier version of this post misidentified the full name of the Educational Association of Worcester