Penn Hills EA members stand up for a fair contract
The 412 members of the Penn Hills Education Association understand the importance of standing up for a fair and equitable contract.
Led by Local President Ryan Osorio, the PHEA went on strike on February 4 after numerous attempts to resolve collective bargaining issues with the Penn Hills School Board.
“Nobody wants to go on strike, but we had no choice,” commented Osorio. “What the Board has proposed will devastate the education system in Penn Hills. It would put the teachers behind in many ways – including salaries, benefits. No union can accept what the board has proposed.”
Penn Hills EA members have stood together in solidarity throughout negotiations. “The membership has been 100% supportive,” added Osorio, “and the support from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.”
In a final effort to avoid a strike – the state mediator called an emergency bargaining session. Surprisingly, the board presented a proposal at this session dealing with the federal Race to the Top program that would eliminate all provisions around transfer, seniority, and security of our members. The proposal would undermine the local’s ability to bargain and negotiate on these important issues.
Support for the Penn Hills Education Association appeared from across the country. A member, in New York City, held a sign supporting PHEA for national television viewers. The Penn Hills community and PSEA support the Penn Hills educators in their fight for a fair contract.
The local will return to classes on Wednesday, February 10 without a tentative agreement. The PHEA will continue to attempt to bargain with the school board for a final contract that supports members’ ability to deliver the power of a great education.
Find Penn Hills EA information on Facebook.