Massachusetts Unions won't oppose teacher-seniority measure

Jamie Vaznis:

The Massachusetts association considered the ballot question long and confusing and worried that passage would take away even more job security rights of teachers than the compromise legislation.

Richard Stutman, president of the Boston Teachers Union, which belongs to the teachers federation, said in an interview Wednesday night that it made no sense to wage a battle over legislation that already had garnered the support of the highest-ranking officials on Beacon Hill: Governor Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo. It is expected to land on the governor's desk by July 3.

"We are not fighting it, because it's a done deal," Stutman said.

Jason Williams, executive director of Stand for Children Massachusetts, was pleased the two union organizations have decided not to fight the legislation. "It's a positive step," Williams said. "I feel there is strong momentum toward passage."

Locally, support for the legislation appears to be is growing. The Boston City Council voted 8-5 Wednesday for a resolution supporting the measure. The vote was symbolic and does not directly impact the pending legislation.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at June 26, 2012 4:54 AM
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