(Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images)
Add Boston's own Dropkick Murphys to the chorus of voices speaking out about the ongoing Newton teachers strike.
The situation in Newton is grabbing headlines across the state and across the nation. The 2,000 or so members of the Newton Teachers Association have been working without a contract since August of 2023. In January of 2024, the Newton Teachers Association began a strike to push for a cost of living pay increase, higher starting pay for teachers aides, and more social workers.
As of February 1, the strike has reached ten days. Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller joined negotiations on Tuesday, January 30, amid a call from Newton City Council president Mark Lardeo for the strike to end. Public employees like teachers are prohibited from striking under Massachusetts law, so the Newton Teachers Association has been hit with heavy fines. But the did get a morale boost.
Dropkick Murphys Perform Live For Newton Teachers Strike
On Wednesday, January 31, the Newton Teachers Association shared this video to their Facebook page. The caption reads: "Good morning - we're holding the line with the support of Dropkick Murphys today! Strength and solidarity. Support our strike effort at linktr.ee/ntaresources." Straight away, the Dropkicks introduce themselves and get right into the music.
With Ken Casey on lead vocals, Tim Brennan and James Lynch on acoustic guitar, and Jeff DaRosa on banjo, the stripped-down Dropkick lineup rips into a stripped-down version of "Worker's Song." Longtime fans might remember the band covering this pro-union tune on their 2003 album Blackout. You can watch the full performance below. It's a quick one.
