UPDATE #6 (1/31/23) Statement from the Woburn School Committee and Mayor Scott Galvin on Commonwealth Employment Relations Board’s Second Strike Ruling

WOBURN – The Woburn School Committee and Mayor Scott Galvin wish to provide the following statement on a second ruling by Commonwealth Employment Relations Board in regard to the illegal strike:

“On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Woburn School Committee filed a petition with the state Department of Labor Relations (DLR) to investigate an illegal strike upon learning that the Woburn Teachers Association (WTA) was planning to hold a vote to strike that was supported by the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA).

“A second ruling was issued by the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board (CERB) on Tuesday, Jan. 31 following a hearing, which determined the MTA and its officers have unlawfully encouraged or condoned the strike vote and future strike activity by the WTA.

“The ruling orders the MTA and its officers to immediately cease and desist from inducing or condoning a strike and to publically state that the illegal strike, which has resulted from the WTA vote, is illegal and must end. The ruling also orders members of the WTA to immediately return to work.

“We are hopeful that the WTA and MTA will abide by this lawful order and end their scorched earth approach to bargaining, which is doing direct and continuing harm to our students’ learning. We likewise hope that the WTA will end this illegal strike and return to educating the students of Woburn.”

To view the ruling in full, click here. 

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