20 Jan Philadelphia Public Schools Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Philadelphia Public Schools and the Collective Bargaining Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Philadelphia Public Schools (PPS) are among the largest school districts in the country, serving over 200,000 students across more than 200 schools. Like many urban public school systems, PPS has had a history of challenges, from underfunding to low test scores to high teacher turnover. One important component of PPS’ relationship with its teachers is the collective bargaining agreement, or CBA.
What is a collective bargaining agreement?
A collective bargaining agreement is a contract negotiated between a union and an employer (in this case, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and the School District of Philadelphia). The contract sets out the terms and conditions of employment for the union members, such as salaries, benefits, and working conditions. The CBA is renegotiated regularly (typically every three to five years) and must be approved by both the union and the employer.
What is in the Philadelphia Public Schools’ collective bargaining agreement?
The most recent collective bargaining agreement between PPS and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), ratified in 2018, covers the period from September 1, 2017, through August 31, 2020. The agreement covers a wide range of topics, including:
1. Salary increases and retroactive pay: The agreement includes a 2.5% salary increase in the first year, followed by 2.5% and 3% increases in the subsequent years. Teachers also received retroactive pay for the 2016-2017 school year.
2. Benefits: The CBA includes provisions for health insurance, dental insurance, and prescription drug coverage. It also establishes a new paid parental leave policy.
3. Professional development: The agreement includes opportunities for professional development and collaboration among teachers and school leaders, as well as a new peer mentoring program.
4. Working conditions: The CBA establishes guidelines for class sizes, workload, and teacher preparation time. It also includes provisions for teacher safety, particularly in schools with higher rates of student violence.
Why is the collective bargaining agreement important?
The collective bargaining agreement is a critical tool for ensuring that teachers in PPS are treated fairly and have a say in their working conditions. By negotiating a contract that lays out specific terms and conditions, the union and the employer can avoid conflicts and ensure that both sides are accountable to each other.
The CBA also helps to establish consistency across the district. While individual schools may have some flexibility in how they implement the agreement, the overall framework ensures that all teachers are compensated fairly and have access to similar benefits and working conditions.
In addition, the CBA can have an impact on student learning. By establishing guidelines for class sizes and teacher preparation time, the agreement can help teachers to be more effective in the classroom. By providing opportunities for professional development and collaboration, the CBA can help teachers to improve their skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting students.
Conclusion
The collective bargaining agreement between the Philadelphia Public Schools and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is an important tool for ensuring that teachers are treated fairly and that students have access to a high-quality education. By negotiating a contract that covers salary, benefits, and working conditions, the district and the union can avoid conflicts and establish consistency across the district. While the CBA is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving public education, it is an important one, and one that should be taken seriously by all parties involved.
