The MTA is supporting legislation that would end the statutory prohibition on striking for educators and certain other public employees. The bill, An Act uplifting families and securing the right to strike for certain public employees, S.1217/H.1845, was filed by Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham), Representative Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge) and Representative Erika Uyterhoeven (D-Somerville).

Massachusetts public employees, including educators, are currently prohibited by state law from engaging in a strike. This outright ban on public employees striking is deeply unjust, prevents educators from bargaining on a level playing field with their employers, and unfairly restricts the ability of educators to take collective action in support of themselves and their families, their students and the communities they serve.

An Act uplifting families and securing the right to strike for certain public employees would amend the current law to allow public employees, except for public safety personnel, to legally strike after six months of failed negotiations with the employer. The bill would further ensure that the right to free speech is no longer restricted for public employees and their unions as it relates to discussing or supporting a strike. To learn more about this legislation, please click here.

Please email your legislators right away and urge them to support and push for a favorable report of An Act uplifting families and securing the right to strike for certain public employees! Please also consider calling your legislators to follow up on your email. You can find your legislators’ phone numbers by clicking here.