Norton

Explaining the origins of a seven-day strike in Norton, MTA Today reported, “For 15 years, the Norton Teachers Association had been thwarted in its efforts to improve salaries and working conditions.” The article reported that teacher pay in the high-performing district ranked 200th out of the 351 cities and towns.

The strike was a baptism by fire for NTA President Diane Giordano, who had just taken over as the local leader one month before the members voted to strike. NTA members received support from teachers across Eastern Massachusetts.

“Some 300 teachers from Bristol County and as far away as Ware, Somerville, Wachusett Regional, and Marlborough marched with their Norton colleagues,” MTA Today reported. “Six television cameras and numerous radio and print reporters covered the march and resulting rally.”

The strike ended when NTA members ratified a contract that included salary increases, longevity payments, a reduction in workloads at the middle school, guaranteed elementary preparation time and other contract language the NTA members had long been seeking.