Classes canceled as teachers strike in Gloucester, Beverly and Marblehead

By Amaya Briones 

Classes were canceled Tuesday in Gloucester, Beverly, and Marblehead public schools as teachers continued their strike for better wages and working conditions. Despite days of negotiation, no agreement was reached by Monday evening and the communities remained at a standoff. 

“We’re not asking for a luxury; we’re asking for what’s fair,” said Christine Travers, a teacher in Gloucester. 

Teachers cited years of underfunding and flat earnings as primary reasons for educators leaving the industry as the reason for their demands of: more compensation, better working circumstances, safer schools and more class preparation time. 

Beverly’s school committee reported that their latest proposal was rejected in half an hour. 

Over the weekend, Marblehead teachers held a rally to show support for their counterparts in neighboring towns, as part of their ongoing fight for improved wages and working conditions. 

The financial debate remains constant, with Gloucester’s mayor and school committee insisting that the teachers’ wage proposition is financially unsustainable. However, the teachers said that their sacrifices made over the long term need to be fairly compensated for. 

As the strike continues, local families are waiting for a compromise, while schools face potential fines for each day the walkout remains.