According to the Marblehead Education Association (MEA), the Marblehead School Committee has indicated that they plan to request mediation from a state-appointed mediator and not go back to bargaining with the custodial unit.
“This is after only two bargaining sessions, since the custodian contract expired on June 30,” MEA Co-President Jonathan Heller said.
The MEA intends to file an objection and request the Department of Labor to direct the School Committee to return to bargaining with regard to the custodial unit.
Many of the proposals made by the union are expected to impact other bargaining units. Common proposals relate to staff and student safety, employee rights, and equitable benefits shared among all MEA bargaining units. Some proposals, however, relate to basic equity in benefits among school staff.
“They’re refusing to budge on basic things like guaranteeing custodians Christmas Eve off, and with no clear explanation as to why. Other town departments get this day off. We work hard and all we want is to be treated fairly,” Chair of the Custodial Bargaining Unit James Douglass said.
In a brief statement, School Committee Chair Jenn Schaeffner said, “The School Committee bargaining subcommittee continues to bargain in good faith with the MEA and is confident we will reach an agreement with each of the units.”
The bargaining session scheduled for Aug. 20 focused on Unit A, which includes teachers and other related service providers. Community members can learn more about the MEA’s proposals and negotiations by visiting https://linktr.ee/marbleheadeducators.