Educators in the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District have stopped performing all duties outside of their contractual obligations, a move intended to highlight the extent of their unpaid labor as contract negotiations with the district remain at a standstill. The labor action, which began on January 5, affects numerous student activities and school events that rely on teacher volunteerism.
The Hampden-Wilbraham Education Association, which represents over 375 teachers and support staff, initiated the "work-to-rule" protest due to expired contracts and stalled talks that have now entered mediation. The union is seeking a new agreement that addresses compensation, preparation time, and paid parental leave.
Key Takeaways
- Over 375 educators in the Hampden-Wilbraham district are participating in a "work-to-rule" action.
- The action means teachers will only perform duties specified in their expired contracts, ending voluntary work.
- Negotiations have stalled over issues including pay, prep time, and paid parental leave.
- Activities like academic clubs, school events, and extra student support are impacted.
- The union and the district are currently in mediation, with meetings scheduled a month apart.
The Impact of Working to Rule
In school districts, many cherished traditions and support systems function because educators volunteer their time. The decision by Hampden-Wilbraham teachers to adhere strictly to their contracts has pulled back the curtain on just how much of school life falls into this category.
Students and parents will likely notice the absence of teachers at events and activities that occur outside of the official school day. According to the union, this includes:
- Advising academic groups like the robotics club.
- Planning and attending music festivals and field days.
- Participating in parent-teacher organization meetings.
- Organizing graduation committees and the annual Evening of Recognition.
- Writing countless college recommendation letters for students.
Damian Konkoly, president of the Hampden-Wilbraham Education Association, explained that the action is designed to demonstrate how critical this unpaid labor is to the district's overall programming. Even seemingly small traditions, such as the annual staff-versus-seniors basketball game, depend on teachers donating their personal time.
What is 'Work-to-Rule'?
Work-to-rule is a form of labor protest where employees do no more than the minimum required by the rules of their contract. It differs from a strike, as employees continue to perform their core duties but cease all voluntary or unpaid activities. The goal is to slow down operations and pressure management to address concerns without formally walking off the job.
Stalled Negotiations and Key Demands
The core of the dispute lies in the expired contracts for teachers and educational aides. After numerous negotiation sessions failed to produce an agreement, both the union and the school district have entered mediation to resolve their differences.
Several key issues remain unresolved. The union is advocating for improved compensation, more dedicated preparation time for teachers to plan lessons and grade assignments, and the introduction of paid parental leave.
Konkoly highlighted the parental leave proposal as a significant point of contention. Currently, teachers must use their accumulated sick days for any pregnancy-related appointments and for time off after childbirth or adoption. This policy, he noted, disproportionately affects the district's largely female workforce and reduces the time available for bonding with a newborn.
"The work has become harder and more demanding," Konkoly stated, emphasizing that the contract needs to reflect the modern realities of the teaching profession.
The union points to neighboring districts like Springfield, Ludlow, and Longmeadow, which have already approved contracts with similar benefits. Konkoly asserted that the Hampden-Wilbraham district is not in a financial crisis and has the resources to offer a comparable settlement.
The Invisible Workload of Modern Educators
Beyond formal extracurriculars, the work-to-rule action also affects the informal, yet crucial, support teachers provide students. Konkoly spoke of the check-ins before and after school, moments when educators help students navigate personal challenges.
He explained that student anxiety and other social-emotional needs have grown, particularly since the pandemic and the rise of social media. These issues don't adhere to a 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. schedule. Having access to a trusted adult during a moment of crisis can be pivotal for a student's well-being.
Over 375 members of the Hampden-Wilbraham Education Association, including teachers, aides, and other providers, are currently working without a contract.
Teachers also report spending more time supporting students who require targeted interventions, including those with special education needs. This, combined with rising academic expectations and expanded enrichment programs, has made the job more complex than ever before. The union argues that this increased workload must be recognized and compensated fairly.
A Slow Path Through Mediation
With direct negotiations stalled, the mediation process is the only current avenue for a resolution. However, the pace has been a source of frustration for the union. The most recent mediation session was held on January 23, with the next one not scheduled until February 24.
"It’s hard to resolve anything if we’re only meeting once a month," Konkoly remarked on the slow progress. While tentative agreements have been reached on some smaller issues, the major sticking points remain.
The Hampden-Wilbraham Education Association has stated that the work-to-rule action will continue until a fair contract is successfully negotiated. Meanwhile, the school community is beginning to see the full scope of work that teachers have been providing for free.
District officials, including Superintendent John Provost and Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee Chairman Michal Boudreau, have not yet publicly commented on the labor action or the ongoing negotiations.