2 Beverly parents file class action lawsuit after historic 12-day teachers strike

Two families have initiated a class action lawsuit against the Beverly teachers union, claiming a 12-day strike caused financial and emotional distress. Janelle Donahue and Erica Kostro assert the strike disrupted their children's education, leading to stress and uncertainty. Filed in Essex Superior Court, the lawsuit seeks $17 million in compensation for affected parents. The Beverly Teachers Association faces accusations of premeditated strike planning and defiance of court orders, violating Massachusetts law that prohibits public employee strikes. The Massachusetts Teachers Association and other unions are implicated for allegedly encouraging the strike through social media and donations to strike funds.

Legal representatives contend that the teachers' actions negatively influence students by disregarding their educational responsibilities. The lawsuit also challenges the legitimacy of the collective bargaining agreement that resulted from the strike, which teachers hailed as a victory. Parents argue that the financial burden from the strike, including $350,000 in fines imposed on the BTA, underscores the need for accountability.