December 18, 2019
The PFT and the Fund Our Facilities Coalition joined our partners at the State Capitol to call for immediate investment in our school facilities. The rally was organized by founding coalition partner State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler (HD184).
This election is important to all of us in Baltimore and in the United States. Early voting in Maryland has begun. Be sure to make a plan for your and your family to vote on or before November 3. As you probably have heard a number of times, this is one of the most important elections of our lifetimes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made voting this year unique and demands changes to how we normally participate in democracy.
I am encouraging all of you to make a plan for voting. Be sure to...
November 27, 2019
On behalf of the members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, I applaud and celebrate Mayor Kenney’s signing of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The PFT believes that every worker should be able to expect to be respected, protected and treated fairly by their employer.
November 21, 2019
PHILADELPHIA–“The heart-breaking story of veteran teacher Lea DiRusso featured in today’s Inquirer and this morning’s powerful Good Morning America feature on asbestos in our schools shine the brightest light yet on the danger and injustice that greet Philly’s schoolchildren every day.
November 19, 2019
The PFT welcomes the announcement of a $500 million bond and an “Environmental Improvement Plan” that incorporates many of the union’s recommendations for addressing issues in our school buildings.
November 19, 2019
The District will close the school and relocate students and staff after the PFT’s discovery of dangerously high asbestos levels.
"The PFT is glad that the District is following our recommendation that all students and staff be moved from the Pratt Early Childhood Center until the asbestos in the building has been abated."
November 8, 2019
Now This, a news video site with millions of subscribers and followers across the nation, just released a powerful video on the toxic conditions in Philly’s public schools.
This is just the beginning of our efforts to bring national attention to this issue as we fight for an immediate $170 million investment to address safety hazards that threaten the health and safety of educators and schoolchildren.
October 21, 2019
The Fund Our Facility Coalition recently sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf urging his administration to find a way to immediately send $100 million for asbestos and lead abatement in Philly’s schools.
October 8, 2019
"At today’s town halls at 440, the students, parents and school staff from Ben Franklin and SLA let the District know–loudly and clearly–that they feel disrespected and neglected. And they are absolutely right. From the management of the construction, to their handling of asbestos hazards, to their communication with school communities, the District has failed to properly address the myriad concerns raised by this utterly shambolic renovation project."
October 4, 2019
Asbestos levels in the building that houses Ben Franklin High School and Science Leadership Academy are still too high to safely allow students and staff to enter.
