Union president: Malden teachers to strike after reaching impasse in negotiations

The Malden Education Association will become the second teacher’s union to strike Monday after a union representative told Boston 25 the Malden teachers and school system could not reach a deal on a new contract Sunday night.

According to MEA President Deb Gesualdo, the teachers and representatives from the Malden School Committee were unable to come to a resolution despite extensive negotiations that took place Friday. According to Gesualdo, a day that began with a 9 a.m. bargaining session ended when school committee members decided to walk away from the table at the 11th hour.

The Malden teachers, like their Haverhill counterparts, are trying to negotiate a new contract with added benefits such as more reasonable schedules, smaller class sizes and better compensation. According to MEA, salaries in Malden have not kept pace with surrounding school districts like Cambridge and Somerville and because of that, vacant school positions have yet to be filled.

“A student’s zip code should not determine their level of education but that’s the decision that the Malden school committee made tonight,” said Gesualdo.

According to the Malden Public Schools website, there will be no classes or after-school activities.

“Because of the strike threat, there is NO SCHOOL for Malden Public Schools students on Monday, October 17, 2022. There will be no after-school programs, extracurricular, and athletic practices/games. Transportation will be provided for out-of-district students. All staff should report to work,” the statement reads in part.

The Malden educators begin to start picketing at seven different school locations.

Malden’s Superintendent says while this may be intended to send a message to school district leaders.. in her opinion, it’s the students and families who are suffering the consequences.

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