Massachusetts teachers’ strike sparks legal battle

Two families have filed a class action lawsuit against the Beverly Teachers Association following a 12-day strike in the Beverly School District in Massachusetts last year, claiming it caused financial losses and emotional distress. Janelle Donahue and Erica Kostro, representing parents, argue that the strike disrupted students’ education, with one student expressing confusion over teachers picketing instead of teaching. Additionally, the Massachusetts Teachers Association is accused of encouraging the strikes, with leadership speaking at rallies and congratulating educators on social media. The lawsuit seeks $17m in damages and claims the strike was premeditated, violating state laws against public employee strikes.