Unsigned contract rankles teachers

By Stacie N. Galang
Staff Writer

November 18, 2008 05:29 am

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PEABODY — Teachers growing impatient over the three-week lag to have their contract signed by Mayor Michael Bonfanti plan to protest at City Hall today.

"As of right now, we're awaiting the city to sign off," said Kim Catron, a spokeswoman for the Peabody Federation of Teachers. "We're wondering what's taking the city so long."

Messages left with School Committee member David McGeney and Bonfanti were not returned as of press time.

Catron said teachers decided to organize a last-minute rally at the city's Lowell Street headquarters to urge city leaders to bring the negotiations to a conclusion.

She said Peabody educators are growing tired of the delays.

"We are hoping to have a rather strong showing of teacher support," she said of the protest.

Union President Bruce Nelson pointed out that the city's police union had its contract signed within 24 hours of its members' ratification. Teachers approved their contract Oct. 29. They have gone without a new contract since July 2007.

Nelson said teachers are not just losing patience, they're growing angry.

"Teachers are kind of expected to stand in the corner and be quiet," he said. "When we get around to you, we'll get around to you."

Lead negotiators with the teachers and the School Department met Friday morning to iron out some contract discrepancies. Nelson said nothing dramatic came out of the meeting.

The union president said teachers have been asking him why the contract remains unsigned. He said teachers' dedication is rarely recognized.

"Teachers again do much more than anyone who has not taught realize," he said.

Nelson said something as simple as a signed contract goes a long way to acknowledging their work. He's hopeful the mayor will sign the agreement ratified by Peabody educators.