Judge orders MTA to stop teacher strike in Woburn following 5th day of negotiations

WOBURN, Mass. — The Massachusetts Teachers Association was ordered by a judge to stop the strike in Woburn by 9 p.m. Friday as teachers were back on the picket line for the fifth straight day.

Woburn teachers stood in frigid temperatures to come to an agreement with the city, but no deal has been made.

The WTA and its president were fined $40,000 for not returning to the classroom on Friday. The judge also said they would be fined an additional $5,000 for each day the strike goes on and that the fines be paid by 5 p.m. each day.

Teachers have been on strike since Monday, forcing school to be canceled all week. Among the sticking points are salaries, class sizes, and pay for paraprofessionals.

The WTA has said their main priority is securing a higher salary for paraprofessionals, who make about $22,000 a year.

Woburn Mayor Scott Galvin has said he had sat with the WTA more than 25 times over the past year and reached a signed agreement with the union in October, but union members rejected it. Galvin said the city offered a 10.75% raise over three years, but the WTA countered with 14.75% raises over the same period.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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