No school in Woburn on Friday as teacher strike continues

WOBURN, Mass. — Woburn Public Schools will be closed on Friday for a fifth straight day as the teachers’ strike continues. The Woburn Teachers Association and its president are facing a $40,000 fine for not returning to the classroom.

The Woburn Teachers Association, Mayor Scott Galvin, and the Woburn School Committee negotiated throughout the day to come to a tentative agreement but did not reach one Thursday night.

“Significant progress was made on the teachers’ contract from today’s negotiation talks,” said WTA President Barbara Locke. “This was one of the most productive days that we’ve had. We are optimistic and expect that a tentative agreement and a return-to-work agreement will be reached on Friday. WTA educators are eager to being back in school on Monday with an agreement in hand.”

Teachers have been on strike since Monday, forcing school to be canceled. Despite ongoing negotiations towards a new contract, no deal has been reached.

Among the sticking points are salaries, class sizes, and pay for paraprofessionals.

Starting on Thursday, the teachers union faced a $40,000 fine for violating a court-ordered injunction to return to the classroom. They now face an additional $5,000 for each day the strike goes on. The judge also ordered that the fines be paid by 5 p.m. each day.

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

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