Mediation began recently between the Town of Holliston and the district’s teachers’ union.  This occurs three months after the contract expired.  According to the School Committee Chairwoman Anne Louise Hanstad, the two sides are not that far apart and they are hoping mediation is just what is needed to overcome that final bump.

Both sides went to the Department of Labor Relations at the end of October to ask for assistance and for a mediator to be assigned to help with the dispute.

According to a press release issued by the union, “While we have made a great deal of progress on many areas of the (contract), our primary area of contention remains in reference to compensation.  The (Federation) fully understands the challenging economic times faced by Holliston, but remains committed to attaining a compensation package that at the very least matches the rate of inflation in our community. ”

The union claims teachers in the district earn less than their nearby peers and have not received an upgrade I pay since 2009.

The district claims that not all of the complaints from the union are accurate and called the claims about the lack of a cost-of-living increase to be downright false.   A spokesperson said the district is “incredibly supportive” of teachers and said it values teachers across the board.

In addition to compensation and wages, the union also points to the increase in health insurance premiums.

To date, there have been more than a dozen negotiating sessions.  At the moment, the district is not threatening walkouts or strikes, and are working under the previous contract agreement.