Philly Teachers Vote to Strike

P H I L A D E L P H I A,  Sept. 5 -- Thousands of teachers in the nation’s sixth-largest school district voted today to hold their first strike since 1981, after a Labor Day breakdown in contract negotiations.

Members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers voted unanimously in favor of a walkout during a morning executive meeting, union officials said.

Classes are scheduled to begin on Thursday for the district’s 200,000 students and 256 schools. Under state law, the union must give the Philadelphia school district 48 hours’ notice for a walkout.

Mayor John F. Street, who hand-picked the school board, on Monday tried to reassure the teachers of the city’s intentions.

“There’s nothing that we would like more than to get a contract,” he said.

Longer Days, Longer Years

The 21,000-member union has rejected the district’s proposals to extend the school day and school year, increase co-payments for health insurance, institute a pay scale based on teacher performance rather than years of experience and level of education, and give principals more say in teacher job assignments.

The union wants smaller classes, stronger early childhood education, a new reading program and enhanced school security. Its teachers in 1997-1998 earned between $28,600 and $57,200, according to the union.

“We have responded positively and creatively at the table, willing to break ground on each and every issue to improve education in the district. But at the 11th hour, it has become apparent that the district has no intention of honoring their side of the bargain,” union spokeswoman Barbara Goodman said.

District officials have said they will face an $80 million shortfall in their $1.6 billion budget even without granting the pay raises that the union says are needed to keep talented educators in the city.

Gov. Tom Ridge has promised to work for additional state funding if teachers agree to a contract overhaul.

Although state law does not bar teachers from striking, it does prevent a work stoppage denying school children of 180 days of school per calendar year. Teachers could strike for more than six weeks without a disruption to the 180-day school year, although there would likely be no scheduled vacations and days off.