The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers says its president will announce a cost-saving contract proposal today.
The union has been negotiating with school district officials for months as the city's schools try to make up a staggering budget deficit.
A news release says union President Jerry Jordan will announce the proposals because he's "concerned about the ability of schools to open efficiently and safely on September 9."
The statement goes on to say that his intention is "to recommend a contract proposal to teachers and school employees that includes forgoing wage increases and making changes to the current healthcare benefits plan."
Jordan's "Announcement of Contract Proposals to Ensure Safe Opening of Schools" is set for 10 a.m.
The release does not, however, say how much the givebacks will amount to.
Schools Superintendent Dr. William Hite has said that he needs more than $100 million in paycuts and health insurance contributions from the teachers union – more than double what he got from the city – and for teachers making more than $55,000 to take a 13-percent paycut.
The teachers' union, with support from the American Federation of Teachers, has been airing ads critical of Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter critical of his handling of the district's budget crisis.
The ad campaign accuses the mayor of siding with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett.
Nutter responded to the ads by calling them a distraction from the real issues.
Jordan countered by saying, "The next positive step would be for the mayor to re-direct his frustration away from Philadelphia's teachers and the parents who support them, and call out Governor Corbett, who is ultimately responsible for our schools' fiscal crisis."
Source: myfoxphilly.com
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