Teachers union votes to authorize strike as contract negotiations slow

With its contract set to expire on August 31, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) voted Tuesday to authorize a strike if negotiations with the School District of Philadelphia break down.

PFT is Philadelphia’s largest union of public school employees, representing nearly 14,000 members, including teachers, librarians, school nurses, social workers, food service managers, and technical employees. One of the union’s main responsibilities is to negotiate the collective bargaining agreement that establishes working conditions, salaries, and benefits for its members. 

Since PFT officials said that negotiations with the School District of Philadelphia have stalled, the executive board called for a special membership meeting. Members voted on a motion that would authorize the executive board to “take appropriate action” if the union’s asks go unfulfilled by the end of their current collective bargaining agreement, which terminates on the last day of August. 

94% of the members voted in favor of strike authorization. 

“Amid a district-wide staff shortage that left teachers, counselors, classroom assistants, and so many other education professionals juggling duties beyond their own job descriptions, the District must make changes that both slow attrition of burned-out employees and attract teachers and specialists to Philadelphia public schools,” said PFT President Arthur Steinberg in a release. 

A strike authorization vote is not abnormal for this time of year. Since summer break has commenced, education professionals can send a warning message to the District without the conflict affecting students. But, if an agreement is not reached by the school year’s August 25 start date, the threat of teachers walking out on students remains effective. 

A spokesperson from the School District of Philadelphia says they are confident that both parties will reach an agreement before a potential strike. 

"The District continues to be engaged in negotiations with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers," said Monique Braxton. "The current collective bargaining agreement expires on August 31, and we are optimistic that we will reach an agreement on a successor collective bargaining agreement."

PFT contract negotiators are advocating for parental leave for members, smaller class sizes, and ending a sick day policy that representatives say penalizes teachers for taking sick days. The give-and-take between the District and union members is an important balancing act in light of numerous issues facing Philadelphia public schools, from underfunding to mental health concerns.

“The 14,000 members of the PFT are unified in our fight for a strong contract that rewards their training and hard work, and improves students’ learning conditions in every public school in the City of Philadelphia,” Steinberg said. “We’re committed to winning a contract that respects public school educators, and gives families peace of mind that the next school year will begin on time and seamlessly, just as Philly school students deserve.”