Raynham

In 1987, elementary teachers in Raynham had their own local, the Raynham Education Association, and their members were paid less than teachers at their sister schools in Bridgewater and at Bridgewater-Raynham High School. This disparity was just one of the concerns that drove the members of this small local, with fewer than 80 members, to go on strike for seven school days starting on Nov. 25.

Other concerns included large class sizes, transfer language, elementary preparation time, recognition of tutors and nurses, and maternity leave, according to MTA Today.

“The situation was exacerbated by the fact that the School Committee refused to discuss many of the issues,” MTA Today reported. During an all-night bargaining session, Nov. 24-25, the committee simply handed the REA bargaining team a pre-prepared list, which it called its ‘final offer.’”

When the strike was over on Dec. 7, the mouse that roared had won salary increases of between 23.7 and 26.9 percent over three years, recognition of tutors and nurses in the contract, guaranteed prep time of 150 minutes per week, smaller class size goals and parental leave.