CTA suspends work-to-rule after productive session

Hundreds turned out on Saturday to show their support for Canton educators. (Photo courtesy of the Canton Teachers Association)

Following a productive mediation session on Saturday, January 14, representatives of the Canton Teachers Association (CTA) announced the formal suspension of its work-to-rule job action as they moved closer to a deal with school leaders on a new employment contract.

“The CTA is happy to report that progress was made at today’s mediation session,” said association president Lauren Mahan in a press release issued on Saturday. “We have come to tentative agreements on multiple significant issues for our Unit E members (education support professionals), such as wages and personal days. The contract for Unit A members (teachers) is still a work in progress, but we are cautiously optimistic about the direction in which things seem to be heading.”

The announcement comes after a tumultuous stretch that saw plenty of verbal sparring as both sides took their cases to the public while the CTA formally adopted its work-to-rule stance. During this period, which lasted from December 21 to January 14, teachers and ESPs did all that was contractually required of them per their existing (previous) contract while refraining from doing any unpaid work, such as staying late, supervising test retakes, or participating as volunteers in after-school clubs or enrichment activities.

School leaders, meanwhile, shifted to a strategy of ultra-transparency, releasing a lengthy statement to the public containing a point-by-point breakdown of their financial offer to both bargaining units, along with a summary of concessions made and an overview of key unresolved issues. Members of the Canton community, including parents and students, also weighed in with their thoughts, and the ensuing debate around the contract grew testy at times —prompting an emotional plea from School Committee members who said they had been the target of intimidation.

Still, the dialogue between the two parties continued, and after agreeing to bump up their second mediation session to last Saturday, they were able to make considerable headway, particularly on the Unit E contract.

In a follow-up statement issued to the press, School Committee Chair Kristian Darigan Merenda described Saturday’s session as “professional, cordial and productive.”

“We have dedicated, caring professionals on both sides of the bargaining table, and I remain confident that we will reach a fair agreement soon.”

“We made significant progress,” added Superintendent Derek Folan, “and we are thankful and appreciative to everyone involved for their hard work during the Saturday evening session. “We are thrilled that the work-to-rule is suspended. Our school community, especially our students, will benefit greatly. We are committed to and hopeful for a positive resolution soon.”

Prior to Saturday’s session, CTA members hosted a rally in front of the Rodman building and were joined by 200 community members, educators, and students.

“The support that we have felt from the Canton community and our fellow educators, both current and retired, has been invaluable,” said Mahan.

She also acknowledged the teachers and support staff from Dedham, Brookline, Haverhill, Malden and Melrose, a number of whom attended Saturday’s rally, for “blazing a trail that enables all Massachusetts educators to fight for the contracts they deserve.”

CTA contract talks are set to resume with the mediator at a session scheduled for Tuesday, January 24.

Additionally, Canton school leaders announced that they will be hosting a series of “coffee hours” to give residents a chance to meet with them and ask questions. The first event will be held on Monday, January 23, from 7-10 a.m. at Copper City Espresso, located at the Canton Junction MBTA station, and a second, virtual meet-and-greet will be held the following Monday, January 30, from 7-10 a.m. Additional dates may also be added depending on the level of interest.

Details on registration (optional) and additional participation information can be found at cantonma.org/school-committee/2022-2023-contracting-information.

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