Over 200 Providence public school teachers and supporters picketed Mayor Jorge Elorza’s re-election announcement at the Roger William Park Casino on Sunday. At issue are stalled contract negotiations between the union and the city. The Providence Teachers Union (PTU)’s last contract expired on August 31, 2017. They have been working without a contract since.
Mayor Elorza "made comments about us politicizing certain events that have nothing to do with politics," said PTU President Maribeth Calabro. "This is a political event, so we're here to let him know that we aren't going anywhere."
"[The Mayor] and I have had a meeting that was scheduled by Council President Salvatore, a lunch meeting," continued Calabro. "And at that meeting [Elorza] once again reiterated that he wanted to get back and have negotiations and he'd be in contact with us to have a meeting. That meeting was two or three Mondays ago. I've yet to get a phone call or an email or a text or anything.
"I find it difficult to believe that he can't find my number," said Calabro.
The teachers were tracking politicians who crossed their picket line and entered the campaign event. "We will know who they are and we will make decisions accordingly," said Calabro.
In the video below Mayor Elorza is booed as he enters his event. https://youtu.be/Tm70-oav9R8
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Providence Teachers Union pickets Elorza’s State of the City Address
In the video below Mayor Elorza is booed as he enters his event. https://youtu.be/Tm70-oav9R8
UpriseRI is entirely supported by donations and advertising. Every little bit helps: Become a Patron!