Striking teachers say that mayor plays politics

QUINCY -- Teachers, rallying in front of Quincy High School yesterday, disputed the mayor's assertion that Quincy teachers are the highest paid on the South Shore and accused him of playing politics.

The teachers are in a bitter contract dispute with city officials, whom they accuse of dragging their feet. A Norfolk judge issued an injunction Monday, but teachers were expected to continue the strike into a fourth day today.

Yesterday, the judge found the strikers in contempt and threatened to fine them up to $150,000 if they do not return to work today.

Union spokeswoman Linda Monaco said teachers want to return to the classroom. "But we remain firm and united in our efforts to secure a fair contract," she said. "We are willing to work around the clock to get this settlement done."

Strikers handed out fliers comparing the income of a Quincy teacher with a master's degree with a similarly qualified teacher in the South Shore. Norwell was listed first with $76,015 a year, while Quincy ranked 21st at $63,477 a year.

"I'm still paying for my master's degree, and I got it in 1997," said Mike Jorgenson, a ninth-grade English teacher. "I want to feel like the professional that my monthly payments say that I am."

Jorgensen and others held posters with a photo of campaigners for Mayor William Phelan. They said the photo was taken early yesterday.

"I think the fact that he's got people campaigning when he has so many contracts unsettled is disgraceful," said Amanda Buscema, 28, a middle school music teacher.

One parent said the strike was becoming a headache. Dana Calabro, the mother of a kindergartner, plans to take a vacation day today after her husband took off the previous two days without pay. "This has been a huge inconvenience," Calabro said by phone.

Peter Schworm of the Globe staff contributed to this report.