The state has ordered the School Committee back to the bargaining table with the Marblehead Education Association to negotiate the custodians’ contract. The School Committee had asked the Department of Labor Relations to intervene in the talks. Custodians have been working without a contract since June 30.
After its investigation, the DRL wrote to the School Committee and MEA on Monday that, “there is still potential movement available to the parties, and the parties would benefit from continued negotiations prior to commencing the mediation process.”
The letter, signed by DLR Director Philip Roberts, continues: “After the parties have engaged in further bargaining, they can report back to the department their progress towards resolution of their differences and a decision will be made on the appropriateness of mediation at that time. Please report on your progress by November 8, 2024.”
In response Monday afternoon, MEA Co-president Jonathan Heller said the union is “thrilled” with the DLR ruling.
“The committee’s rush to dismiss the very pressing wage and working condition demands of our members, which have long been apparent to all of us, is emblematic of their approach toward all of the education workers in the district, “Heller said. “We are hopeful that they will now change course and negotiate in a manner that acknowledges and respects the hard work and dedication of all education workers in Marblehead.”
According to the MEA, custodians’ pay starts at $18.10 per hour. The MEA says the bargaining subgroup rejected the the union’s proposed $28 per hour, offering an increase of $0.86 an hour over three years.
The MEA and subgroup are expected to meet for their 13th bargaining session on Tuesday, Oct. 1. To learn more about those meetings so far, click HERE.
The Current reached out to the School Committee’s bargaining subgroup of Jenn Schaeffner, Sarah Fox, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer and interim Superintendent John Robidoux, with no immediate response.
***This story was updated at 9 p.m. According to the MEA, the bargaining subgroup is offering custodians a $.86 raise over three years.
