Teachers in Hampden-Wilbraham district pause unpaid work as contract talks stall

WILBRAHAM ― From robotics clubs to graduation committees, teachers in Hampden and Wilbraham say they've been quietly keeping the district running on volunteer hours — and this month, they stopped.

The Hampden-Wilbraham Education Association began its work‑to‑rule labor action on Jan. 5, a response to expired teachers' and aides' contracts and mediation‑bound negotiations that union leaders say have dragged on too long, said Damian Konkoly, union president. In a work-to-rule effort, workers only attend to contractual obligations.

The association represents more than 375 teachers, aides and other providers across the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District.

By ending unpaid labor — which includes academic clubs, music festivals, parent-teacher organization meetings, field day planning and extracurricular support for students — educators hope to illustrate how much of the district's programming depends on their off‑the‑clock commitment.

"The work has become harder and more demanding," Konkoly said.

The union says the move is meant to draw attention to both the workload and the need for a contract that acknowledges it, Konkoly said.

Superintendent John Provost and Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee Chairman Michal Boudreau could not be reached for comment.

Konkoly said teachers spend hours writing recommendation letters and helping with annual school traditions, such as the Evening of Recognition and graduation.

Even lighter activities — including the annual staff-versus-seniors basketball game — rely on time donated outside the school day.

He said much of the work is even less visible: the check‑ins with students before and after school that help them feel connected and supported.

Anxiety and other social‑emotional needs don't follow contracted hours, he said, and having access to a trusted adult in those moments can shape a student's immediate well‑being and long‑term success, he said.

All these commitments, often unnoticed, showcase the profound dedication educators have toward enriching student experiences and community life, underscoring the need for recognition and support for contracts that gives them the means to maintain their own family life, Konkoly said.

In an interview with The Republican, Konkoly said teachers are struggling with heavier workloads and rising academic expectations, expanded enrichment programs, and increased needs among students — particularly since the pandemic and the growth of social media — which have made teaching more complex.

Teachers are also spending more time supporting students who need targeted interventions, including special education services.

Contract talks have stalled over several issues, including pay, preparation time and paid parental leave. The union is seeking paid leave for births or adoptions that would be separate from sick time.

Konkoly said teachers currently must use sick days for pregnancy‑related appointments, which reduces the time available for bonding after childbirth or caring for a newborn. He said the district's workforce is largely made up of women, and that nearby districts already offer similar benefits.

Negotiations have made little progress, leading the union and the district to enter mediation, he said.

The most recent mediation session was held Jan. 23, and the next is Feb. 24.

"It's hard to resolve anything if we're only meeting once a month," he said.

While some smaller issues have reached tentative agreements, Konkoly said teachers will continue their work-to-rule action until a fair contract is reached.

He added that the district is not facing a financial crisis and can afford a settlement comparable to contracts approved in Springfield, Ludlow and Longmeadow.

District officials have not yet responded to the shift.

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