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January 19, 2022

PHILADELPHIA—"While we continue sound the alarm about the untenable conditions in our buildings, Philadelphia's officials continue to recommend policies misaligned with the reality of the in-school experiences. 

"Since the start of the pandemic, and certainly now, this union has worked to ensure that students and staff are able to learn and work in-person. We know that the true magic of teaching and learning takes place face-to-face, and virtual learning simply cannot replicate that joy or effectiveness. We also know that every child and staff member deserves to be safe in their

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Streamlined Reimbursement Process

To submit for reimbursement (NEW 1/24/22): Fill out this form and mail to the address provided.

You must attach the following:

  • A photo of the purchased COVID-19 test kit box with the barcode visible
  • Receipt of purchase that displays the date and the purchased item highlighted/circled

Pharmacies will begin processing claims after the 16th. Members who chose to pay out of pocket before pharmacies’ systems are set up will be eligible for reimbursement.

Questions? Read the FAQs right here.

Click the image to download the form:

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January 12, 2022

In response to untenable school conditions and the ongoing COVID surge, Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:

PHILADELPHIA—"Over the past four days, PFT members and allies have written over 40,000 letters to the Mayor, Superintendent, and members of the School Board in two 'action alert' campaigns [here and here]. I am again calling on the swift implementation of a sensible safety plan that addresses the concerns we have laid out over the past several weeks. These concerns, echoed by thousands throughout the District, are geared towards assuring the safe, in-person

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January 10, 2022 In advance of Philadelphia witnesses being called to the stand in the landmark school funding lawsuit, PFT President Jerry T. Jordan issued the following statement: PHILADELPHIA—"The case laid out by the prosecutors and witnesses in the landmark school funding lawsuit has been stark. For decades, this commonwealth has shirked its constitutional responsibility to provide every child across Pennsylvania with a thorough and efficient public education. As Philadelphia's witnesses begin to take the stand, we know that the extreme inequities and injustices will be laid bare even further. We have supported the lawsuit from the start and filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs.  MORE
January 6, 2022 PHILADELPHIA—"I am deeply concerned by the new K12 guidance put forth by CHOP's Policy Lab as well as by the PDPH. Again, I want to be clear: this union wants schools to be open for in-person learning. "We are encouraged that CHOP continues to recommend universal masking, regardless of vaccination status. Recent research shows that the use of a high quality (approved KF94, KN95, or N95) mask-- or at the very least, a double mask of combined surgical/cloth variety is absolutely essential; and in fact, PDPH recommends this approach. But the reality is that these resources are not provided to schools. Roughly 35% of schools have reported lack of mask supplies, and those that have masks are certainly not of the KF94, KN95, or N95 variety. And double masking is certainly not taking place or being recommended in any systemic way. As such, we are even more concerned by CHOP's 'mask to stay' guidance. "Further, we are particularly concerned regarding the new recommendations regarding testing amidst an unprecedented COVID surge, with positivity rates approaching 40% in Philadelphia. For all practical purposes, the guidance permits the cessation of testing requirements for asymptomatic individuals as well as for individuals with mild symptoms.  MORE