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PFT Statement on the Ongoing Ben Franklin/SLA Building Saga

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.

PHILADELPHIA–“The students and school staff at Ben Franklin/SLA have had their school year unacceptably disrupted by ongoing construction issues and dangerously high levels of asbestos in the boiler room and the SLA Commons. But until these areas are properly cleaned and tested by the District and the PFT, it is imperative that students and school staff NOT be allowed to enter the building.

“The PFT will be closely

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Jerry Jordan on Two-Day Closure of Ben Franklin/SLA

September 30, 2019

During tests over the weekend, the PFT Health & Welfare Fund discovered damaged asbestos materials in two areas of the school that are under construction.

PHILADELPHIA–“The PFT is glad that the District and the union agree that the asbestos levels in two areas of Ben Franklin/Science Leadership Academy make it too dangerous to allow students, staff, and the school community to enter the building at this time. The decision to close the school tomorrow and Wednesday is the correct one.

“Using the asbestos action plan as a guide, we look forward to working with the District on

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PFT Testimony on City Council Bill #190558

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September 25, 2019

The PFT submitted the following testimony from President Jerry Jordan in support of bill 190558, an Ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Fair Practices Ordinance.

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Sign the Petition: $100 Million Needed NOW

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September 23, 2019

Sign the Fund Our Facilities Coalition petition calling for an IMMEDIATE investment of $100 million for asbestos and lead abatement in Philly’s schools

The Fund Our Facilities Coalition, in partnership with the undersigned concerned individuals and partners is calling for $100 million of that funding to be invested immediately, so the District can begin the process of remediating damaged asbestos and lead in every school. That students and educators have their health and safety at stake when they go to school should move all of us to immediate action.​

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PFT Releases Action Plan for Asbestos in Schools

September 18, 2019

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, through the PFT Health & Welfare Fund, today released an action plan for identifying and managing the abatement of asbestos-containing building materials (ACBMs) in high-risk areas in Philly’s public schools. “Healthy Schools Action Plan: Asbestos Crisis in Philly Schools” defines the danger and makes pointed recommendations for mitigating the health hazards caused by asbestos.

PFT’s Healthy Schools Action Plan lays out a series of “action items” for five key areas.

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FOF Coalition: $100 Million Needed NOW for Lead, Asbestos

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September 11, 2019

In response to news that a longtime Philadelphia school teacher has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, members of the Fund Our Facilities Coalition held a press conference at the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers offices to call for an immediate $100 million investment to perform lead and damaged asbestos abatement in Philadelphia’s public schools. The figure makes up the bulk of the $170 million the Coalition has been calling for since May.

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