Holyoke teachers union pushes for direct bargaining as officials seek state mediation

HOLYOKE ― The Holyoke Teachers Association is rejecting the district's push for state mediation, calling it a setback to the local control that educators fought to regain.

Union President Nick Cream said mediation undermines the community's hard-won control over its schools after a decade of state scrutiny and oversight. But Mayor Joshua Garcia sees it as a practical step toward resolving stalled contract talks.

The union is urging the School Committee to resume direct contract negotiations, also arguing that the district's request for state mediation is premature.

In a statement issued Monday, Cream said the contract talks are not at an impasse and called on the district to withdraw its petition for state intervention.

The union escalated its push for direct negotiations on Monday, delivering a petition signed by 500 educators to Garcia, who chairs the School Committee.

Several teachers spoke during the committee's meeting that evening, emphasizing the importance of authentic negotiations over mediated discussions.

"It is shocking that after 10 years of state control, the School Committee and its lawyer would give up the opportunity to fully participate in shaping our district," Cream said in the statement. "We've worked so hard to regain local control of our schools. It seems irrational and irresponsible to turn that control back over to a state official."

While the HTA and School Committee have met seven times for bargaining, only one session occurred after the district exited state receivership — marking a turning point in the talks.

That meeting in late August was also the first time School Committee members joined negotiations directly, Cream said.

Previously, negotiations were conducted between HTA representatives and administrators with legal counsel.

The committee presented a comprehensive proposal during that session, and the HTA is seeking additional meetings to respond, Cream said.

The union is advocating for a fair and affordable contract that supports educator recruitment and retention, ensures safe learning environments, and respects staff dignity, he said.

Moving to mediation would end direct negotiations, with a state mediator relaying proposals between parties, he said.

Cream warned that such a process prioritizes speed over substance.

"This is a historic contract," he said in the statement. "We will not relinquish the rights we have fought for over the past decade. Our students and families deserve schools that support educators and recognize our professionalism and dedication."

Vice Chair Holyoke School Committee Mildred Lefebvre, from left, Holyoke Schools Superintendent Anthony Soto, Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia and Vocational Director Laurie Denis at the Holyoke High School Dean Tech Campus Class of 2022 commencement on June 2. (Ed Cohen / Special to The Republican, File)

Responding to the union's concerns, Garcia described the negotiations as "interesting" and emphasized the district's intent to reach a fair and sustainable agreement.

"Our shared goal is to finalize a fair and sustainable contract that supports our educators, students and families," he said.

However, he said the lack of a counterproposal from HTA after the August meeting led the district to seek mediation. Holyoke Public Schools filed for mediation to help move the contract negotiations toward an agreement, he said.

At the August meeting, the School Committee gave the teachers union a full proposal, he said.

After an hour of discussion, Cream said they rejected that proposal but didn't offer changes or next steps.

Garcia said mediation brings both sides together with a neutral third party and can help reach a fair deal.

He added that it's a common step, and the district has used it before with other unions, often with good results.

Key elements of the district's latest proposal includes: a 14% pay raise over three years, 5.6% in year one, 5.3% in year two and 3.5% in year three; keeping the current career-ladder system and adding new levels for licensed educators, plus separate tracks for pupil service staff and advanced teachers; expanding health and safety language and adding assault leave; increasing leave by adding two personal days and giving full sick leave upfront, with a payback clause if someone leaves early; and shortening the workday slightly, keeping it within state learning hour rules.

Garcia said since talks began in February, the union has submitted more than 30 proposals, focusing on health and safety, sick leave, and pay.

"Our bargaining team has engaged thoughtfully, submitting counterproposals on health and safety, and assault leave to address urgent concerns," Garcia said.

Garcia said the union's proposal would require a 23% raise in the first year, which could lead to layoffs and larger class sizes.

The Aug. 28 meeting was the first opportunity to present a full package proposal, as the HTA was unwilling to meet over the summer, he said.

Garcia said the district's proposal incorporates four modified HTA requests and one verbatim, reflecting the city's commitment to collaboration, Garcia said.

"We are disappointed by the HTA's rejection of the proposal without further discussion but remain optimistic that mediation will help us find common ground," Garcia said. "Our educators are the heart of our schools, and we are committed to a contract that values their contributions while ensuring fiscal responsibility and student success."

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