Newport, R.I. – The Teachers’ Association of Newport (TAN) voted unanimously this week to “work to contract” effective immediately and to hold at least two informational pickets on dates to be announced. The actions are in response to the Superintendent’s recent decisions to persistently violate the existing contract as well as settled labor law.

TAN met on August 19 to discuss the status of multiple pending labor disputes precipitated by the unlawful and unilateral job placement process held in June by Superintendent Colleen Jermain and ratified by the Newport School Committee. After lengthy discussion, the membership took the two unanimous votes. Working to contract means that TAN members will only perform duties outlined within their existing contract. An informational picket is a public opportunity for Newport teachers to inform the community and amplify their concerns; it is not a job action nor is it a strike.

Currently, the Union has four pending grievances as well as four Unfair Labor Practice charges pending at the Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board. In addition, the Union filed a lawsuit against the Superintendent, the School Committee, and the City of Newport seeking injunctive relief to stop the ongoing violations. Though a motion on the matter in June was denied, the lawsuit remains pending.

“While we did meet throughout the summer in an attempt to reach a global settlement on all issues, the Superintendent has refused to commit to any effort to correct the multiple errors created when she imposed the job fair without the Union’s involvement,” said TAN President Jennifer Hole. “These errors have had a ripple effect across the district with many teachers placed in positions they have never held before and forcing many to seek emergency certifications just to stay employed.”

Additionally, the Union voted no confidence in the Superintendent and Ronilee Mooney, the director of multi-lingual learners, in June over the Superintendent’s drastic restructuring plans. These plans were implemented without any input from teachers. Moreover, the teachers have lacked adequate support from the district to implement these restructuring plans for the rapidly approaching school year, which will undoubtedly harm students.

“The Superintendent has shown time and again that it is more important to ‘win’ this battle than abide the existing contract and the law,” said Hole.