Whittier Tech Teachers Union Files Petition Over Alleged Unlawful Health Insurance Deductions

NEWBURYPORT — January 14, 2026 — Whittier Tech teachers union petitions school committee over alleged unlawful payroll deductions. Katie Staunton, president of the Whittier Regional Educators Association, presented a 75-signature petition to the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School Committee on January 14, accusing Superintendent Maureen Lynch and Business Manager Kara Cosmas of making unilateral payroll deductions to recover allegedly miscalculated health insurance premiums — without union agreement and in violation of the collective bargaining agreement and Massachusetts law. Staunton said the problem dates to June 2025 and that at least two members were charged additional amounts even after the administration agreed to pause further action. "Our members are frustrated and angry and not to mention the anxiety they feel wondering if they're going to be the next employee to be missing hundreds of dollars from their next paycheck," Staunton told the committee. The panel received the petition without debate or formal action, and a sit-down between union and district leadership was scheduled for the following week.