Pennsylvania teachers strike for contract

Striking teachers returned to work. But they’re still angry. WW photo: Joseph Piette

Teachers in Neshiminy, Pa., returned to their classrooms on Jan. 20, ending their strike, which had begun 11 days earlier. After almost four years of fruitless bargaining and working without any wage increases or a new contract since 2008, the 654 members of the Neshiminy Federation of Teachers had enough and began picketing.

The NFT has made six contract proposals to the Neshiminy School District on wages, health care contributions, and teachers’ input on curriculum and class sizes in the 7,000-student district. Using union-busting tactics, the NSD has refused to bargain in good faith, even refusing significant givebacks from the teachers.

Ted Kirsch, president of the American Federation of Teachers, Pennsylvania, explained the union’s position, “This board has refused to take ‘yes’ for an answer on financial concessions from teachers.”

Instead of negotiating, management terminated health insurance for the strikers during the work stoppage. That cost teachers about $450 for a single subscriber to about $1,100 for family coverage.

In addition, School Board president Ritchie Webb “suspended, subject to permanent termination,” assistant basketball coaches Russell Selger and Bryan McGinty for refusing to cross picket lines. (Philadelphia Inquirer, Jan. 19)

According to 1992 Pennsylvania Act 88, students are required to have 180 days of instruction by June 15 of each year. By returning to work on Jan. 20, the NFT has an option to walk out again in the spring if bargaining continues to be deadlocked.

The teachers returned to work angry because they’re working without a contract. They seem determined to strike again if necessary.