Facing a mountain of debt after their week-long strike, the Woburn Teachers Association is reaching out to the group for assist — and listening to again.
“Any help would be immensely appreciated!! We have some fines to pay and unfortunately the (bake) sale couldn’t cover it all!!” the Woburn Teachers Association tweeted Wednesday, linking a GoFundMe web page.
The fundraiser, set for a objective of $55,000, reached simply over $46,000 with 746 donors Wednesday afternoon, reducing a superb portion out of the union’s debt. The union additionally listed a bake sale Feb. 5 aimed toward elevating $250,000 — although might have fallen a little bit quick.
Because strikes are unlawful for public sector workers below Massachusetts legislation, the union added up $85,000 in fines to the state. Additionally, the union agreed to pay $225,000 to the town in damages over 4 years, plus $20,000 to native charities. The state academics union has mentioned it would help the native union with prices.
The WTA and School Committee reached a deal Sunday, narrowly avoiding stretching the strike right into a second week.
Under the brand new settlement, the Woburn educators will obtain a a 13.75% increase over the following 4 years and 10 extra minutes to their workday. Paraprofessionals within the district — who at present have a beginning wage of about $22,600 — will obtain a 40% increase below the brand new contract.
Woburn’s contract escalation adopted comparable trainer strikes in Haverhill, Malden and Brookline in 2022. Haverhill, which had the second longest strike at 4 days, additionally incurred over $300,000 in fines and metropolis damages.
Messages on the GoFundMe web page emphasised continued “solidarity” with the educators.
“Everyone deserves a living wage, dignity, and respect,” wrote one $100 donor. “Sending love and solidarity to all Woburn educators!”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”