On Monday afternoon September 29, 2008 more than 20 of Easthampton's Public School teachers participated in an informational picket at the rotary (Pulaski Park) in the center of town. What was their purpose? Raising community awareness to their continuing contractual problems.
- While the teacher's were picketing Easthampton Education Association's President Robert Parent along with the EEA bargaining team were in contract negations with Mayor Michael Tautznik and representatives from the School Committee. The teachers do not want to sign a contract without all the details spelled out.
- As of the time of this picket information with regard to health insurance benefits were vague and incomplete. Joanne Drumm, an EEA Stragic Action Committee member said: “We wouldn't teach our student's to sign a contract without all the details spelled out! Why would we sign one?”
- The Teacher's urge the Mayor to be forthcoming with complete details of the proposed contract. The teachers have been working for more than 15 months without a contract, and negotiations continue.
