Statement of Rachael Abell, Chair of the Beverly School Committee

An Essex County Superior Court today imposed significant and escalating fines on the Beverly Teachers Association (BTA) for its continued violation of the court order to end the illegal strike which continues to disrupt student learning.

The judge has ordered the BTA to pay a $50,000 fine today, Wednesday, November 13. The fines will increase incrementally by $10,000 each additional school day that the strike continues.

The judge’s ruling confirms what we have maintained since the strike was called six days ago;  the BTA is fully capable of returning to school to educate the students of Beverly while they continue to negotiate with the School Committee. Now, BTA members face the costly burden of higher union dues each day they remain out on strike.

On behalf of the entire Beverly School Committee, I want to reiterate our commitment to finalizing a fair contract for our educators. Since the strike began, over the course of many long days and more than 55 hours of bargaining, while some progress has been made, the BTA has remained uncompromising in its financial demands and it is clear that the BTA’s strike is not working as a means for the parties to reach an agreement. Should BTA members choose to return to the classroom tomorrow we would continue negotiations every afternoon this week with a mutually agreed upon schedule.

This strike has caused enough harm, it is time to get our students and staff back in their learning environments while we work together to finalize the contract that our hardworking educators deserve.

Negotiations with the BTA and the state-appointed mediator are ongoing at this hour. The School Committee will inform families as soon as possible about the BTA’s intentions for tomorrow.

We will issue additional updates as events warrant.

Thank you,

Rachael O. Abell

Chair, School Committee