Hundreds Of MA Teachers In Falmouth Protest Over 'Union Busting'

FALMOUTH, MA — Hundreds of teachers from across Cape Cod and Massachusetts protested Tuesday outside Falmouth High School to defend teachers who filed grievances against the district.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association accused Superintendent Lori Duerr of suspending Lori Andrade, the president of the Falmouth Educators' Association for filing contractual grievances on behalf of teachers. According to MTA officials, Superintendent Lori Duerr tried to "interfere and restrain the union from exercising its rights under state law." So teachers gathered at the high school with signs reading "FEA strong" and 'Union busting is disgusting," to show support for Andrade.

Duerr denied Andrade's placement on paid leave had anything to do with union activities. She described it as a separate personnel matter.

"I assure you that the allegation that the central office is engaged in 'union busting' could not be further from the truth. The Administration unequivocally supports all our unions and their work to represent you," Duerr said in a statement sent to teachers.

A spokesperson for the MTA said the negotiations started a year ago and pertained to coronavirus safety protocol and the return of in-person learning. Those discussions broke down. When they did, union members filed grievances, and instead of continuing the conversation, school officials accused FEA members of harassing district administrators, according to MTA officials.

"Intimidation and retaliatory action against a union officer for engaging in protected union activity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," said Tracy McEnroe, the Cape Tech Association president.

Teachers and union members at the rally said Andrade never did anything wrong, and the districts actions could be considered "union busting." MTA officials estimated there were 200-250 people at the protest.

"Our union leaders are being unjustly targeted with retaliation by the district for engaging in appropriate, and quite frankly, normal union business," said Rachel Zaino, the negotiations chair of the FEA. "We are hopeful that a fair and timely process will make clear that the FEA and its leadership have done nothing wrong."