Andover School Committee Prevails at Department of Labor Relations
Commonwealth Employment Relations Board finds AEA Engaged in Unlawful Strike
Andover, Mass.—On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations Commonwealth Employment Relations Board (CERB) affirmed the Andover School Committee’s position that the Andover Education Association (AEA) engaged in an unlawful strike under Massachusetts General Laws 150E, section 9A.
In their ruling, CERB concluded that the AEA and its officers engaged in an unlawful strike when they refused to enter school buildings last week. The School Committee was required by law to file a petition to the DLR in response to the refusal of approximately 45% of the Andover Education Association membership to report to work in-person, as directed, on August 31, 2020 for the first day of professional development.
“We are grateful for the CERB’s consideration and timely decision. We recognize this case has implications for public school districts across the Commonwealth and their efforts to provide students with in-person instruction during this unprecedented time,” says Shannon Scully, chairperson of the Andover School Committee. “We are fortunate to have so many talented educators in Andover and we are pleased they have returned to work focused on important preparation to welcome students back to school next week.”
The CERB ruling orders that the AEA’s officers immediately cease and desist from inducing, encouraging, or condoning any strike, work stoppage, or withholding of services, either directly or through surrogates. Additionally, the AEA officers are required to inform their membership of the CERB’s ruling.
“I have had the opportunity to visit our educators in their classrooms where they are actively engaged in professional development,” adds Dr. Sheldon Berman, superintendent of Andover Public Schools. “They are excited to be with their colleagues and look forward to seeing their students.”
Read the complete ruling from the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board
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