Woonsocket teachers start school year without contract

August 30, 2018 6:09 pm

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com

@AmandaPittsTV

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Negotiations for teacher contracts in Woonsocket have come to a halt. The Woonsocket Teachers’ Guild has rejected all offers made by Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt’s negotiation team, causing them to begin the work-to-rule order on Tuesday.

The Teacher’s Guild claims Woonsocket teachers are some of the lowest paid teachers in the state, saying they’ve only received a 2% raise in nine years.

"The Mayor’s decided that she doesn’t want to invest in public education .. we’ve gone a long time without a raise, but that doesn’t matter. We have many many dedicated teachers that will go above and beyond all the time. It’s difficult to say to them, sorry, you’re not valued."

This is the first time in 30 years Woonsocket teachers are starting the school year without a new contract. The previous contract expired on June 30th.

"We feel that we offered them a fair contract, and unfortunately they didn’t think so," said Woonsocket Mayor Baldelli-Hunt.

The work-to-rule order means that teachers will only work during school hours, putting things like after-school activities and extra help at risk. Parents we spoke to are not happy that their kids might be feeling the effects.

Carolie Mitchell, grandparent to a Woonsocket High School freshman, said her grandson could be impacted.

"My grandson’s one of those children that needs the teacher to stay after school with him. If our children aren’t first in this city, this city’s never gonna make it," said Mitchell.

"It seems the education department is being left behind and it’s not fair to the kids," said parent Brian Ross.

Mayor Baldelli-Hunt said the district is prepared for work-to-rule, saying the district has put people in place to "make certain children are safe within our schools".

The two sides will now come together with a mediator to settle on a contract.