Press

January 29, 2020

The Governor today put forth an ambitious plan of action to secure $1 Billion in funding for asbestos and lead remediation.

"Today’s announcement by Governor Wolf is a long-awaited and important step forward in our fight for facilities investments. The PFT has led the charge in advocating for substantive action to comprehensively address the humanitarian crisis that our educators and the students they teach are enduring each day."

January 20, 2020

On a day commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., PFT President Jerry Jordan joined parents and educators to announce legal proceedings against the School District to address the ongoing facilities crisis.

1/17/2020

Overnight asbestos sampling results at McClure came back elevated.

"Upon the discovery of the protocol breach and failure to properly manage a dangerous asbestos contamination condition at McClure Elementary, the Federation emphatically stated that we were unable to assure the McClure community of the environmental safety of the building. Early yesterday morning, we conveyed our concerns to the McClure staff and reported to the school for further discussion."

January 16, 2020

Late last evening, PFT HW Environmental Science Director Jerry Roseman learned that asbestos air samples collected by School District consultants on Tuesday afternoon in the City Year room were elevated with alarming levels of airborne asbestos detected. Likely leading to this situation was an egregious breach of the best practice protocols that, to this point, he had reason to believe were well underway at McClure Elementary School during their asbestos remediation.

January 8, 2020

A coalition gathered at a shuttered Philadelphia school to urge the Governor to prioritize facilities funding in this year’s budget address.

This morning, a coalition of educators, parents, elected officials and community partners joined PFT President Jerry Jordan outside of Carnell Elementary to once again call attention to the urgent facilities crisis unfolding in Philadelphia’s schools. Carnell is one of six schools that have been forced to close this school year due to imminent asbestos hazards.

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

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."