Possible Pittsburgh Teachers Strike Looming

PITTSBURGH, PA - The first Pittsburgh Public Schools’ teachers strike in more than four decades could be on the horizon as the teachers union prepares to count the ballots in a walkout vote.

The Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers will tabulate the votes on Monday. If a majority approve a work stoppage, the union could call one at any time after providing the district with 48 hours notice.

The authorization vote began two weeks ago. It came after the union and the district could not agree on terms for a new contract to replace a two-year interim agreement that expired last June.

“The Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers has negotiated in good faith for the last year and a half,” union president Nina Esposito-Visgitis said in a statement. “Our negotiations team has come to the table every session fully prepared to achieve an agreement that is fair for our members and moves the District forward in its mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students.”

The district said in a statement that it recognizes that a strike would be a significant disruption to students and their families.

“We continue to work diligently with PFT leadership toward a resolution that reflects our deep respect for our outstanding teachers while also prioritizing our mission of providing the highest quality education possible for every student,” the statement said.

Pittsburgh Public Schools has 24,000 students and about 2,000 teachers. The district has not had a strike since an eight-week walkout during the 1975-76 school year.

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