HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- Tensions are boiling over in Holyoke, as the city faces its first major labor test since regaining local control of its schools less than a year ago.

On Monday, Mayor Joshua Garcia issued a stern warning online, claiming a potential teachers’ strike would ‘hurt’ students and families. However, that message isn’t sitting well with everyone.

Western Mass News was at Dean Technical High School, where a forum between educators, parents, and local officials was held. The energy was tense between educators and Holyoke’s Mayor Josh Garcia’s, with many saying they felt lectured to by his Facebook post, that read in part, “A strike will hurt our students and families: I am hearing rumors about a potential strike by the Holyoke Teachers Association, even as mediation continues to resolve ongoing contract negotiations.”

Mayor Garcia went on to say, “A strike is not the answer for Holyoke. For a community like ours, the consequences are serious, even if a strike lasts only one day. Many of our students rely on schools not only for education, but also for stability, meals, specialized services, and a safe environment during the day.”

Western Mass News will have more on the response, coming up tonight at 10 and 11.