Bensalem Teachers Protest Over Stalled Contract

BENSALEM, PA — More than 50 Bensalem teachers protested outside the school board building Monday evening, urging members to approve a report they say represents a fair contract for educators.

The Intelligencer reports that the demonstration came two days before the board is scheduled to vote for the second time on a fact-finding report the Bensalem Township School District sought in ongoing contract negotiations. The school board voted 7-0 last week against the report, which the union that represents Bensalem teachers has twice voted to accept.

Speaking to the Intelligencer, a representative of the union would not rule out the possibility of a teachers' strike if the board again turns down what teachers call a suitable compromise.

Currently, Bensalem teachers are working under a contract that expired in July 2017. The board and teachers were at a stalemate on a new contract and went to an independent fact-finder in hopes of a compromise.

The report, from the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, suggests an array of bonuses for teachers, as well as step and column-salary increases that the school board says would cost an additional $5.3 million per year. In a statement, the school board has jointly said the district cannot afford that.

The school board is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bensalem High School.

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