Labor Relations Commission blocks BTU strike vote

The Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission this week ruled that the Boston Teachers Union's scheduled vote on a potential one-day strike is illegal. Strikes by public workers are illegal in Massachusetts, but this is the first time in decades that the Commission has limited a public union's ability to call for a strike vote. Superintendent Michael Contompasis said, “This ruling is a victory for the students and families of the Boston Public Schools,” he said. “Teacher strikes are not only illegal but also incredibly disruptive to the families we serve, who rely on us to educate their children every day of the school year. Any day spent holding picket signs instead of teaching is a missed opportunity to support kids.” Union officials are required to appear before the Labor Relations Commission at the end of the month to prove that they have taken the mandated steps to call off the strike vote.