Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers taking first steps to authorize strike

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Public Schools are inching closer to a strike threat.

Target 11 broke the story on Twitter that contract talks Friday did not result in an agreement.

The teacher's union is making out ballots asking if members want to give a 48-hour strike notice.

Even if teachers do vote yes, that doesn't mean a strike will actually happen.

Teachers have been without a contract since last summer.

A Pittsburgh Public Schools spokeswoman sent a statement: "The District recognizes that the possibility of a strike represents a significant disruption for our students and their families. We continue to work diligently with PFT leadership toward a resolution."

Union members are calling for salary increases for all teachers based on years of experience and educational credentials instead of raises being linked to annual test scores.

They also want better pay for early childhood and early intervention teachers and therapists, who they say are paid less than their K-12 counterparts – and a raise for athletic coaches as well.

Members have also taken issue with potential changes to their healthcare and overcrowded district classrooms.

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Channel 11's Erin Clarke spoke with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto regarding the potential teacher's union strike.

Peduto is advocating strongly for the two sides to seek mediation, knowing the consequences of a strike would be significant.

“It's the last thing that anybody wants to see,” said Mayor Peduto. “I will and I've asked for meetings with the superintendent and the president of the teachers to see if there's anything to do that we can help to mediate this."

The Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers released the following statement Saturday:

The Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers has negotiated in good faith for the last year and a half. Our negotiations team has come to the table every session fully prepared to achieve an agreement that is fair for our members and moves the District forward in its mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students.

This union does not take a strike authorization vote lightly. It has been more than 40 years since the PFT has gone on strike. We are committed to continue good faith negotiations and determined to reach a resolution that is in the best interests of students and our members.

The 3,000 members of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers work hard everyday to provide an excellent education to each and every student in our District. The PFT's proposals were designed to meet the needs of our students by enhancing the learning conditions in our schools. A strong contract both protects our students and helps the District to recruit and retain the best educators. The idea that this is adults versus children is a false narrative. We are all in this together. Our schools are better when both the needs of students and educators are met.

Education in the 21st century demands differentiation and individualization to meet the needs of students. The job of educating young people cannot be done by disempowering educators and placing the District in a less competitive position. It is time to settle these contracts and do what is best for students and educators.

Cox Media Group