The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and the School District of Philadelphia have reached a tentative three-year contract agreement, averting the potential for the first city public school teachers’ strike in 44 years.
A deal was announced Sunday night, on the eve of the first day of classes. The current contract, covering 14,000 educators, librarians, counselors, nurses and other staff, is set to expire Aug. 31, meaning PFT members could have walked off the job next week.
Specifics about the agreement have not been disclosed. A district spokesperson referred a request for details to the union, which did not respond to an inquiry Tuesday.
PFT President Arthur G. Steinberg, in a video posted Sunday night to the organization’s Facebook page, said members would receive an email with more information over the next few days. The contract, which he said in the clip has “many, many historic wins for us,” still needs to be ratified through a vote.
“This contract recognizes the hard work and dedication our members bring to the district and allows them to have peace of mind that they will be able to provide for their families while continuing to educate the children of the School District of Philadelphia,” Steinberg said Sunday in a written statement.
“We are pleased that we have reached a tentative three-year agreement that both honors the hard work of our educators and maintains our record of strong financial stewardship,” added Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr.
Union members voted to authorize a strike in June, and Steinberg and his leadership team held a news conference two weeks ago urging the district to accelerate negotiations as the first day of school approached. At that time, salary and building conditions were among the sticking points, PFT officials said.
The district and union signed a one-year contract extension early last year that incorporated a 5% pay increase and $1,200 bonus.
News of the deal removed one element of uncertainty early this school year; the other major concern – transportation for students in light of the SEPTA cuts – has yet to be resolved.
