State Teachers Union: Andover Decision Won't Stop Actions

ANDOVER, MA — The Massachusetts Teachers Union criticized the state labor board's decision to call Andover teachers' refusal to enter buildings for the first day of professional development an "illegal strike" and said that teachers will not be silenced by the decision.

"Andover educators only asked for transparency, information, and cooperation in order to ensure the safety of students, educators and their community," MTA President Merrie Najimy said. "In response, they were met with autocratic decision-making and litigation."

Andover teachers voted to work remotely for the beginning of professional development, in an effort to force negotiations over building safety. The action lasted only one day, and the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board ruled that it constituted an illegal strike, Tuesday. Public employees are barred from striking, in Massachusetts.

>>Andover Teachers Union Staged Illegal Strike: State Labor Board

"The CERB decision aligns with the Baker administration’s attitude of proceeding toward ‘normalcy’ until something tragic happens," Najimy said. "It calls for risk-taking over prudent planning, and the health and safety issues remain unresolved."

Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday that he supported the board's decision.

“I think Andover made the right decision by arguing that a deal’s a deal, that there was an agreement that those ten days would be spent conducting the training that was necessary,” Baker said at a news conference Wednesday. “I applaud the decision. I think it was the right one.”

"That is reckless and shameful," Najimy said. "The MTA vehemently disagrees with the decision – and educators will not be silenced.”

In North Andover, the union and the School Committee agreed Wednesday evening to begin the year with a week of remote learning, delaying the in-person start by a week. Lawrence teachers protested Wednesday in favor of a remote start.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.