Andover school teachers go on strike
ANDOVER - Teachers in Andover voted Thursday afternoon to go on strike effective immediately. The Andover Education Association said the decision comes after nine months of bargaining with the school committee for a new contract.
"The School Committee can keep Andover Public Schools open by taking bargaining seriously," the union said in a statement. "The town can easily afford the financial proposals we have put on the table."
The Andover School Committee filed a petition with the Department of Labor Relations seeking to prevent teachers from engaging in an illegal strike.
The union plans to rally at noon on the Town Common Friday.
"We are incredibly disappointed in this decision by the AEA to take this illegal action that unfairly disrupts the education of our students," said Tracey Spruce, chair of the Andover School Committee.
The union is seeking to raise the pay of instructional aides and teachers, extend lunch and recess periods, get access to family and medical leave, and have "greater educator voice in curriculum decisions."
The school committee said the most recent offer included an increased cost of living adjustment for instructional assistants of 13.75% over three years.
"We want to make it clear that the School Committee does not condone the illegal actions of the AEA," Spruce said. "We will work with the Department of Labor Relations to minimize the disruption to our students' education. We urge all teachers and staff to return to school. We urge the AEA to end their illegal strike and return to the bargaining table."
Andover teachers say they felt like they had no choice.
"I was one of those people who was like, no I am not ready, I don't want to strike, I want to be in my classroom," said teacher Betsey Desfosse. She said the breaking point was, "the continued disrespect for what we are trying to do."
Andover schools will be closed through the duration of the strike. Box breakfasts and lunches will be provided for students and can be picked up at Bancroft Elementary School.
Parents are hoping for a quick resolution.
"My husband and I are both working parents, we both work in Boston, but this is a sacrifice that is needed and we are willing to deal the repercussions so that this can be solved as quickly as possible," said Andover parent Elizabeth Vickers.
