Teacher Strikes Escalate in Massachusetts Districts

Three North Shore school districts in Massachusetts—Beverly, Gloucester, and Marblehead—are experiencing teacher strikes, resulting in the closure of schools and affecting nearly 10,000 students. The educators are demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and benefits such as paid parental leave and smaller class sizes. Despite Massachusetts law prohibiting teacher strikes, the unions have proceeded, facing potential legal repercussions and fines. Tensions have escalated as both the school committees and the unions accuse each other of delaying negotiations, with claims of district management colluding to prolong contract settlements. Meanwhile, extracurricular activities, including a significant football game in Marblehead, have been suspended, prompting legal action from concerned parents. The strikes continue as negotiations remain at an impasse, with both sides far apart on wage proposals and budget concerns looming large.