The Philadelphia School Reform Commission Cancels Teachers' Contract : Teachers Union Outraged

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports:

In a stunning move that could reshape the face of city schools, the Philadelphia School Reform Commission voted Monday to unilaterally cancel its teachers’ contract.

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers was given no advance word of the action — which happened at an early-morning SRC meeting called with minimal notice — and which will certainly result in a legal challenge to the takeover law the SRC believes gives it the power to bypass negotiations and impose terms.

"This is outrageous," PFT spokesman George Jackson said. "We'll take this up with our members." He said the union would have more to say this afternoon.

The district says it will not cut the wages of 15,000 teachers, counselors, nurses, secretaries and other PFT members. But it plans to dismantle the long-standing Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Health and Welfare Fund, which is controlled by the union, and take over administering benefits.

Even Philadelphia can't afford the status quo.