Statement from Mayor Paul Brodeur

Dear Melrose Community,

I know many of you are rightfully concerned about the status of the ongoing contract negotiations between the Melrose School Committee and the Melrose Education Association. As you may know, I am, and my children are, graduates of the Melrose Public Schools. I also have four nieces and nephews at MVMMS and MHS. I am personally and professionally connected and committed to the students and teachers of Melrose.

I was disheartened to hear the announcement today that the Melrose Education Association (MEA) is planning to vote to hold a teachers’ strike.

As noted in tonight’s message to parents and guardians from the Superintendent, MEA leaders have not contacted any Melrose Public Schools officials about their plans or responded to a direct request for information, but District leadership is under the impression that a strike could take place as early as tomorrow, Friday, January 13, or Tuesday, January 17. As Superintendent Kukenberger indicated, a strike will cause schools to close for all students.

Closing schools is harmful to students and will create a burden for many of our parents and caregivers who may need to find alternative care for their children. Not only is a strike detrimental to the children and families of Melrose, but it’s also illegal per Massachusetts state law Title XXI Chapter 150E Section 9A. Unlike mediation, striking does nothing to bring us together to come to a mutual decision on a contract that is fair and equitable for our teachers, students, and the families of the City of Melrose.

To advance progress toward an agreement with the MEA, in December, the District filed for mediation, which is a commonly used tool through which the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations (DLR) supports sound and stable labor-management relations by assisting both parties in resolving outstanding issues and reaching a favorable resolution when negotiations stall. This afternoon, we received a Notice of Mediation from DLR indicating DLR is ready, willing, and able to assist, and the District has reached out to the MEA to start scheduling collaborative mediation dates.

I believe that mediation is a far better path to take than an illegal strike that disrupts our students’ learning. As neutrals, mediators provide a third-party perspective and leverage the expertise of the skilled negotiators at the table to address the core interests of both negotiating parties. Most importantly, mediation offers the best opportunity for parties to come to an agreement without costing valuable learning time.

It is important for the community to know that the School Committee’s collective bargaining team has met with the MEA at the bargaining table 20 times since last February. The School Committee is committed to negotiating with the MEA for a new contract that is fair to our teachers, is in line with the economic resources available to the City, and meets the needs of our students and families. At the end of the day, everyone wants what is best for our students.

Sincerely,

Paul Brodeur
Mayor of Melrose