In one of the longest work stoppages by Massachusetts teachers in decades, the ongoing strike by Newton educators has entered its seventh day, with little progress made in contract talks. The Newton Teachers Association (NTA) resumed negotiations with the city's School Committee on Saturday, while both sides continue to grapple with key issues such as compensation and health coverage.

The School Committee has estimated that the union's proposals would cost around $100.2 million over four years, whereas their own package amounts to $45.4 million. City officials argue that adopting the union's plan would necessitate layoffs and program cuts, while the union asserts that Newton has a surplus in its budget.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller has consistently urged the striking teachers to return to work and engage in negotiations while school is in session. In a recent statement, the mayor emphasized the importance of providing competitive wages and benefits that demonstrate respect for educators. However, the NTA remains steadfast in their commitment to securing a new contract that addresses their concerns.

It is worth noting that teacher strikes are illegal in Massachusetts, resulting in significant fines for the union. The NTA has already been fined $375,000 for defying Middlesex Superior Court Judge Christopher K. Barry-Smith's order to return to work. Barry-Smith has further imposed a daily fine of $50,000 if the strike is not resolved by 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Mike Zilles, president of the NTA, has accused school negotiators of lacking good faith in bargaining and criticized Mayor Fuller for her absence from the sessions. The union expressed concerns that the School Committee and the mayor are deliberately slowing down the negotiations in hopes that financial penalties will weaken their resolve.

Amidst the ongoing negotiations, hundreds of educators and their supporters gathered for a rally on the steps of Newton City Hall on Saturday. In a show of solidarity, members of other unions, including the Service Employees International Union and the Massachusetts Teachers Association, joined them. Teachers' unions from Boston, Cambridge, Marblehead, Canton, and Hingham also voiced their support for the striking Newton educators.

The strike, which commenced on January 19, has affected nearly 12,000 students by causing the cancellation of classes. Both sides have accused each other of being unproductive in their efforts to reach a new contract. A recent incident during a bargaining session exemplified the tension as arguments escalated, leading to the NTA's bargaining team shouting and ultimately leaving the meeting.

Throughout this process, face-to-face talks involving the entire bargaining teams have not taken place, according to Superintendent Anna Nolin. However, smaller groups have met in the presence of a mediator.

The union released an edited video titled "Mayor Fuller vs Reality" on Saturday, showcasing the NTA members' visit to the mayor's office and subsequent remarks she made at a press conference. The video depicted police ordering the union members to leave City Hall, while Mayor Fuller criticized their actions as not setting a positive example for the community.

US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey have reiterated their support for the striking Newton educators. Markey emphasized the importance of negotiating in good faith to uphold the dignity of working people and urged both sides to work towards a meaningful resolution. Warren, who has taught in public schools in the past, urged the Newton School Committee to recognize the hard work of the teachers and ensure they receive fair wages and working conditions.

As the strike prolongs, the Newton community anxiously awaits a resolution to the contract negotiations, hoping for a swift resolution that will allow students to return to school and restore normalcy to the education system.