Philadelphia Principals Unite, But Strike Remains Off the Table Amid Contract Dispute
The city's school principals, climate workers, and safety supervisors have been making their voices heard in a heated battle for better working conditions and compensation. At a packed Board of Education meeting on Thursday, they wore navy and gold CASA Teamsters Local 502 shirts as a show of solidarity. The district's previous contract expired in August, and the union has been working without a new agreement.
CASA President Robin Cooper took aim at Superintendent Tony Watlington, calling the negotiations "one-sided" and accusing the district of stonewalling their proposals to address wage compression and rising health premiums. The union presented several counteroffers, but they have been met with resistance from the district's negotiators.
"We have to fight our own district to properly support our needs," Cooper declared outside the meeting room. However, she did not threaten a strike, citing a previous agreement that prohibits the union from engaging in work stoppages or refusing to perform normal duties.
Watlington maintained optimism about reaching a contract deal in the near term, assuring the union members of his commitment to supporting the district and its schools. Meanwhile, parents, advocates, and community members spoke out against plans to close public schools, citing concerns that support for struggling neighborhoods is needed rather than closure.
The district's plan, set to be released at a later date, aims to reform school buildings across the city. Some will be closed and repurposed, while others will undergo renovations or remain unchanged. The district has announced a survey to gather community feedback on its proposals.
As for security measures, the board approved contracts worth $1.2 million, including funds for student-run "youth courts," walkthrough metal detectors, and state-mandated security assessments. Despite the union's efforts, a strike remains off the table for now, leaving the district's principals to continue advocating for their needs.
The city's school principals, climate workers, and safety supervisors have been making their voices heard in a heated battle for better working conditions and compensation. At a packed Board of Education meeting on Thursday, they wore navy and gold CASA Teamsters Local 502 shirts as a show of solidarity. The district's previous contract expired in August, and the union has been working without a new agreement.
CASA President Robin Cooper took aim at Superintendent Tony Watlington, calling the negotiations "one-sided" and accusing the district of stonewalling their proposals to address wage compression and rising health premiums. The union presented several counteroffers, but they have been met with resistance from the district's negotiators.
"We have to fight our own district to properly support our needs," Cooper declared outside the meeting room. However, she did not threaten a strike, citing a previous agreement that prohibits the union from engaging in work stoppages or refusing to perform normal duties.
Watlington maintained optimism about reaching a contract deal in the near term, assuring the union members of his commitment to supporting the district and its schools. Meanwhile, parents, advocates, and community members spoke out against plans to close public schools, citing concerns that support for struggling neighborhoods is needed rather than closure.
The district's plan, set to be released at a later date, aims to reform school buildings across the city. Some will be closed and repurposed, while others will undergo renovations or remain unchanged. The district has announced a survey to gather community feedback on its proposals.
As for security measures, the board approved contracts worth $1.2 million, including funds for student-run "youth courts," walkthrough metal detectors, and state-mandated security assessments. Despite the union's efforts, a strike remains off the table for now, leaving the district's principals to continue advocating for their needs.
. They're basically saying that they need better pay and benefits or else... but there's no "or else" in sight 
. I get it though, who wouldn't want fair wages and decent health insurance? The teachers are already underpaid and overworked, and now the principals are getting in on that too 
.
. But from what I've read, the district is being super stubborn about it 
. Like, come on Tony Watlington, listen to them already! 
The parents and community members are all on the union's side tho 
.
. Can't we just prioritize education and student needs over petty politics 
The CASA Teamsters Local 502 folks are showing solidarity by wearing matching shirts, which is dope 
. But it's not just about them – parents and community members are speaking out against school closures, which would be devastating for some neighborhoods 
. We need more empathy and understanding in these negotiations. Let's hope they can find a way to make this work before things get messy 
... I mean, I guess it's a great way to show solidarity, but navy and gold is kinda basic, right? Anyway, on a more serious note, the fact that they're having to fight for basic working conditions is super concerning. And yeah, $1.2 million for security measures doesn't exactly scream 'they care about the kids' 
... Like, I get it, people wanna be treated fairly and all that jazz, but can't they just talk it out like adults? I mean, CASA Teamsters Local 502 is just trying to negotiate better wages and benefits, but the district's negotiators are basically stonewalling them 
. And now the union's saying we gotta "fight our own district" 
... like what's the point? Are they gonna win or lose? It's always some never-ending cycle of negotiations and stalemates. And don't even get me started on the parents and community members who are freaking out about closing schools 
... could be a valid concern, but at least have some actual solutions for once 
. Anyway, it's all just a mess 
...
, like the principals are getting a voice and standing up for themselves, and at the same time, the community is being heard about the school closures and what they want to see happen. and i love that the district is being transparent with their plans and even having a survey to gather feedback - that's so cool! 
and let's not forget about those $1.2 million contracts for security measures - that's some serious investment in student safety 
. The union is doing their best to advocate for the teachers, but it's disheartening to see them being ignored 
.
. We should be supporting our educators and making sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively 
.
. it's time for a real conversation, not just empty promises and surveys... 
It's like they're trying to abandon the community and leave them high and dry. I know the district wants to reform school buildings, but is it really necessary to close some of them in the first place? 
. They need to keep fighting for their needs until they get what they deserve. It's not fair to the teachers and principals who are already working hard every day. Let's hope they can reach a contract deal soon, but if not... well, I guess we'll just have to see about that 
they're askin' for some basic stuff like fair wages and decent health benefits, but it's like Tony Watlington is just stonewallin' them 
it's like, what's the point of havin' a good education system if we're just gonna leave some kids behind? 
It's like the district thinks they're invincible or something. The CASA Teamsters Local 502 shirts at the meeting were a great idea, but I wish the union would consider a strike - we need to make our voices heard! 
. I mean, $1.2 million for security measures is a lot of money, but wages and health premiums are way more important than metal detectors 
. It's not about opposing their ideas, it's about finding a solution that works for everyone 
.
check out this article from Philly Inquirer to get the full scoop 
, like if they wanna close schools over just wages, that's what the survey is for 
. The CASA Teamsters Local 502 reps are doing a great job of speaking up, but it feels like the district is just being super stubborn