Philadelphia Teachers Consider Strike as Contract Deadline Nears

With the start of a new school year in Philadelphia less than a week away, the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) union are continuing contract negotiations, but the two sides have not reached an agreement.

PFT, the union representing approximately 14,000 city educators and staff, is threatening to strike once its current collective bargaining agreement expires on Aug. 31.

CBS News Philadelphia stated on Saturday, Aug. 16 that both sides are still far apart on issues such as benefits, wages, and working conditions.

On Friday, Aug. 15, CBS News Philadelphia spoke to some parents at the Roosevelt Mall who are worried about the possibility of a teachers' strike.

"I'm a nurse, so I have to go to work. I have patients that's counting on me," said Michelle Fleurant, the mother of two second-graders. "So if the school is going on strike, so I'm going to have to stay home with my kids. I won't be able to give my patients the proper care that they need."

In an Aug. 14 report by The 19th, an independent, nonprofit newsroom, education reporter Nadra Nittle noted that pay continues to be a prime concern among teachers, particularly those in the Philadelphia area. Salaries for Philly teachers — approximately 70% of whom are women — begin at $54,146. This figure is well below the median earnings of Pennsylvania college graduates, according to an Axios Philadelphia report.

PFT President Arthur Steinberg pointed out that even suburban teachers with less education often out-earn Philadelphia's top-performing educators by upward of $22,000. Many Philadelphia teachers are parents themselves and are arguing for better wages to support their families.

According to Nittle, Philadelphia schools may open on Monday, Aug. 25, only for teachers to go on the picket lines days later if a deal is not reached. 

“We are optimistic about a successful conclusion by the end-of-the-month deadline, and it's important to us that all of our employees feel seen, valued, and heard,” said Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington during a welcome event for new teachers on Wednesday, Aug. 13.