MALDEN – Applause from behind closed doors signaled that hours of negotiations had finally ended. An agreement between the Malden Education Association and the Malden School Committee had been reached.
“Definitely, (some) give and take. I think everybody at table were there for the students and that’s what it came down to making sure the students were put first and foremost,” said Jennifer Spadafora who is the Vice Chair of the Malden School Committee.
Negotiations went late into the night on Monday, going back and forth several times.
“We have been working around the clock for a couple of days so we want to make sure we get the agreement written out and that it’s the way it’s supposed to be,” said Deb Gesualdo who is the Malden Education Association President.
The talks came to an abrupt end Sunday night after School Committee members walked out when the Teacher’s Union wound not budge on a twenty percent wage increase request. Neither side would say what that final number is. But the union did admit the strike worked.
“I think it’s never ideal for kids to miss school but speaking as a union member and leader of the union we took a step that is serious and did not take it lightly,” said Gesualdo.
In the end, both the School Committee and the Union say the students were always they’re top consideration and that they will benefit most from this deal moving forward.
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