Teachers Union Fights Massive Layoffs in Philadelphia

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Ben Simmoneau reports: "A Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge today granted a temporary restraining order against the School District of Philadelphia, putting a halt for now on the school district's plan to lay off 1,500 teachers."

Jerry Jordan, President of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, speaks at a protest, 04/03/11. (photo: Jared Freedman/AFT Pennsylvania)

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+3 # fredboy 2011-06-07 08:53

So Wall Street, the big banks, tax breaks for the super rich and endless wars sucked all the money out of the economy, and teachers are blamed and fired as a result. Sounds like a frigging monster movie...

+5 # Lee Black 2011-06-07 09:32

At least teachers in PA can organize and fight against lay-offs. In the 'right to work' state of Texas where thousands of teachers are being laid off the teachers don't seem to believe that there is such an option.

0 # cydfan 2011-06-07 15:10

It isn't what they seem to believe my friend, it's what they know. I've had many friends receive pink slips this year due to wonderful Rick (perfect hair) Perry's grandiose programs and negative funding for education. Teachers and school districts cannot win here.

0 # Ken Hall 2011-06-08 07:25

This is surreal, kids are being shorted on their education so million and billionaires can keep their tax cuts!

0 # jerrymat 2011-06-08 07:03

Did I read the article correctly? They intend to lay-off the teachers who show success in the classroom and keep the teachers who have not done so? That seems to be a new approach.

0 # genierae 2011-06-08 07:37

cydfan: "Teachers and school districts cannot win here." I disagree. Its up to the American people to defend their communities and that means defending their teachers and local schools. Why are most people sitting back and allowing Republicans to destroy their local support networks? If the whole town rose up and demanded that these thieves and liars cease and desist, you can bet that things would come to a screeching halt. Apathy encourages criminal actions and therefore must be held responsible for an equal share of the consequences.

0 # Ray Porreca 2011-06-09 08:09

I am a proud member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers as well as one of the 1523 who were laid off on Monday. We need your support and we need it now, this is a war on public education and impoverished students being waged from many different angles. Please keep our fight going.

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