HTA claims teacher was let go as retaliation for union involvement

HTA President Nick Cream speaks at School Committee’s public comment portion in support of colleague Bob Williams, whose contract was recently not renewed.
Photo credit: Holyoke Media

HOLYOKE — Members of the Holyoke Teachers Association and other educators gathered outside the School Committee meeting on June 22 to protest what they say was the retaliatory nonrenewal of Bob Williams contract, alleging the decision was intended to target master teachers for their union activity.

Many members of the HTA and Holyoke Public Schools colleagues joined the School Committee meeting to express their opposition to the non-renewal during public comment.

Williams, a 20-year veteran educator who has been teaching history at Holyoke High School North full-time for the last three years, was non-renewed by the district last week. A petition formulated by his colleagues explained that proficient teachers, like Williams, are usually given Professional Teacher Status at the end of three years, especially in districts like Holyoke that struggle to hire and retain highly qualified teachers.
Massachusetts law, meanwhile, allows the district to not renew any public school teacher without a reason within their first three years of employment.

HTA President Nick Cream read a statement on behalf of the teachers’ association leadership that said they are aware of an incident at Holyoke High School in which an active member-organizer had their contract non-renewed, and then was told by HHSN administration to cease self-organization on his own behalf.

“We want to be clear that this is an explicit violation of protected union activity under Massachusetts General Law 150E,” Cream read. “Teachers with professional teacher status represent an incredibly strong and active part of our union and city, and they have lifted their voices to make our schools better for the young people of Holyoke. Bob’s non-renewal risks producing a chilling effect, making union members fearful to face similar retaliation for participating in protected union activities.”

Cream said the HTA will challenge all cases of retaliation against all members exercising their protected rights as workers. He added that HTA leadership will file unfair labor practice charges against Holyoke Public Schools and its agents for their actions.

“HPS must cease-and-desist in all acts of union interference and retaliation against employees exercising their rights under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 150E, and in this case, reinstate Bob Williams immediately,” Cream concluded.

Saskia Fabricant, an English development teacher at Holyoke High School, talked highly of her colleague.

“This member received proficient ratings on his evaluations and has never had a disciplinary meeting,” Fabricant stated. “This begs the question, why was this person not renewed?”

Fabricant said Williams has been one of the most active union members and reinvigorated the union by helping run a slate of candidates who were elected two years ago. He also fought for an increase in resources from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, coordinated and attended trainings for members, helped form the building action team for the union, served as HTA building representative, was elected to the MTA board of directors representing Holyoke and Chicopee, and was a visible participant at standouts, bargaining sessions and School Committee meetings.

“In other words, if the Holyoke Teachers Association is doing something, this member is involved.” Fabricant said, “It is not hard to [form] a straight line from their non-renewal to their union activity.”

An Action Network petition has also been created by HTA, where 1,268 letters have been sent at the time of publication to argue against the move.
Kyle Chambers, a Holyoke Public Schools parent who said that Williams has advocated for the needs of the students, educators and staff, stated that, “every step of the way, [Williams] was a guiding voice.”

He continued, “What this says to our hard-working educators and our students is a horrible message that if you stand up for what you believe in, if you advocate for your students and demand more from your district, you’ll be shown the door. As a parent, that is not messaging that I’m comfortable with our schools teaching.”

Maddie Alton, a Holyoke High School teacher, stated, “Not only is he a wonderful advocate, but he is also a licensed teacher who … is willing to work with students and hold them to high standards, raising the bar for educational expectations.”

Holyoke High School mathematics teacher Stephen Burke read a statement on behalf of Holyoke teacher Carolyn Monteiro, which read, “Whether indeed intended or not, the perception is damaging to trust in our schools and throughout the community. Holyoke struggles with public perception. Advancement and opportunities are determined by personal relationships rather than merit. The decision reinforces that perception. Our students, educators and community deserve a system that values professionalism, transparency, and fairness above politics or personal connection.”

When Holyoke Public Schools was reached for comment about not renewing Williams’ contract, HPS Chief of Human Resources Beth Gage said that HPS could not comment on specific personnel matters, including decisions related to individual employees.

“However, please be assured that the district fully supports employees’ rights to engage in protected union activity,” Gage said. “Employees are free to organize, participate in union activities and support their union without fear of retaliation. While protected union activity cannot take place during contractual work hours when employees are expected to be performing their assigned duties, the district is not interested in limiting employees’ ability to organize or participate in their union outside of those parameters.”

She continued, “In fact, many highly engaged and vocal union members continue to work successfully in our schools and have made significant contributions to the district. Many of our educators who have been actively involved in union leadership and advocacy are returning to Holyoke Public Schools for the coming school year, and they are valued members of our community. We have many outstanding teachers and staff members, and protected union activity has never been something the district would hold against any employee.”