Union of teachers endorses a three-year agreement with the school district of Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia School District and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) have reached a significant agreement, as the latter ratified a three-year contract on Thursday. This deal, which goes into effect on September 1, 2022, and continues through August 31, 2025, brings about several improvements for the district's 14,000 members, including teachers, counselors, nurses, psychologists, secretaries, and other education professionals.

One of the key aspects of the contract is the creation of a special tuition assistance program for members seeking special education certification. This initiative aims to further enhance the quality of education in the district by investing in the professional development of its educators.

The contract also provides better opportunities for advancement for PFT members. The reduction of barriers to becoming a senior career teacher, which has the highest pay level, is a significant step in this direction. Additionally, the contract increases the minimum pay grade of the lowest-paid paraprofessionals, ensuring a fairer compensation structure across the board.

The contract includes a 3% annual pay raise for all members, providing a steady increase in income over the duration of the agreement. Furthermore, annual allowances for nurses, psychologists, and teachers have been increased, reflecting the district's commitment to the well-being of its staff.

In a show of support for the deal, Superintendent of Schools Tony Watlington Sr. expressed his pleasure, stating, "This deal honours the hard work of our educators and maintains our record of strong financial stewardship."

The contract also addresses issues related to work-life balance. It provides five weeks of paid parental leave for new parents, including those who adopt children, and eliminates a district policy that disciplined members for using sick days.

However, the district still faces a $300 million deficit for the 2026 fiscal year, and has had to dip into its rainy-day fund. The contract supports the reality of working in the classroom and enhances the learning environment for students, but it remains to be seen how these improvements will be funded in the face of financial challenges.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly and Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has been serving as governor since 2023, have yet to reach an agreement on the state budget, which was scheduled for passage by June 30. The successful ratification of the contract by the PFT may serve as a positive precedent for future negotiations between labour unions and public institutions.

The contract also includes a one-time bonus of $1,400 for all union members, providing a welcome boost to their income. This, along with the other provisions of the contract, is expected to contribute positively to the morale and productivity of the district's educators and support staff.

Union of teachers endorses a three-year agreement with the school district of Philadelphia.