6 days ago
New Haven teachers reflect on 1975 strike impact
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Several New Haven teachers that went on strike in 1975 reunited outside of the New Haven Superior Court house on Saturday.
The gathering was designed to bring everyone together to remember the sacrifices that they made for modern day teachers.
This historic strike resulted in 90 arrests. The teachers were charged with contempt of court and arrested after going on strike.
The educators were calling for a fair contract and higher pay.
They were brought into court when the judge requested that they return to work, but the teachers told the judge they did not think they could go back without a contract.
Despite not knowing that their efforts would result in jail time, the teachers said it helped to encourage more improvements for teachers today.
'These are the teachers who made sacrifices for the teachers today to have the pay that they are getting,' Saundra Stephenson, a former teacher, said. 'When we all started, we were making under $10,000 a year.'
According to the New Haven Federation of Teachers, this strike was supported by students, parents and other union members.
'When people ask me about teaching in New Haven and what I was most proud of, this is one of the things I was most proud of,' Richard Romao, a former teacher at Wilbur Cross, said.'
The federation said another public event will be held later this year featuring retired teachers, students and parents from 1975.
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