Members of the Fall River Educators Association, who have been working without a contract since the beginning of the school year, rallied once again outside Durfee High School before Monday’s school committee meeting.
The over 800-member union is seeking wage increases which it says would put them on par with teachers in similar-sized communities in the state. At the rally Durfee High School Teacher Josh Lopater said the longer teachers work without a deal, the greater the wage disparity.
Kuss Middle School teacher Joseph Michael told the crowd without a new contract the district will have difficulty filling open teaching positions.
The union received support from Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page who said with the increased financial investment the state has made in local school districts, teachers deserve to be better compensated.
The union submitted a three-year wage proposal based on teacher seniority. In year one it is looking for a 7 percent increase for lower-step teachers and an 8 percent raise for those on the higher levels. In years two and three the FREA seeks a 7 percent and 8 and a half percent hike based on seniority. The city’s latest proposal is seven percent and eight percent in year one and five percent for all levels in years two and three.
The school committee has not said much during the bargaining process. Member Kevin Aguiar indicated to the union that budget constraints limit how much the city can contribute to raises.
The next bargaining session is set for tomorrow afternoon.
