By The PA. AFL-CIO

– Last week, Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission (SRC) abruptly canceled the American Federation of Teachers/Philadelphia Federation of Teachers’ (AFT/PFT) contract.

On Thursday, well over 1,000 protesters consisting of Philadelphia students and teachers, labor, faith-based organizations and various community groups gathered in front of the Philadelphia School District building to make their voices heard – and that it was as many speakers rallied an intense crowd from the stage of PA AFL-CIO’s RV stage.

The rally included a long list of speakers including AFT President Randi Weingarten, PA AFT President Ted Kirsch, PFT President Jerry Jordan and PA AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale.

“People ask me, ‘Why are you in Philly so much?’ Philly is ground zero for injustice!” AFT President Randi Weingarten exclaimed.

If the action by the SRC holds up in court, 15,000 teachers and other union members will be forced to contribute to health benefits up to 13 percent of their medical premiums starting on December 15.

This would put an undue burden on these hard working educators who are already forced to spend their own money on school supplies in a fiscally strained school district.

Following the protest, SRC held a meeting where many labor, faith and community leaders met face-to-face with those making these kinds of disastrous decisions.

As we approach the November 4 election, let us remember the struggle in Philadelphia’s school district, and how important it is we elect officials who will defend educators and students.

Source: http://www.paaflcio.org/?p=5327