The chair of the Philadelphia School Reform Committee (SRC) appointed by far and radical right-wing Gov. Corbett
activated "its nuclear option and [canceled] its teachers' contract" with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.
It is probably and hopefully an illegal move.
Teachers are prohibited by state law from striking.
The city has repeatedly refused more funding for schools to create a better school district.
It is the same old story told everyday in what is becoming America’s assault on teachers and other workers. The radical right attacks workers and their wages, healthcare, and pension benefits — all of which contribute to a middle class lifestyle.
Ironically, the Philadelphia City Council voted unanimously just last week to let the people of Philadelphia vote whether to abolish the SRC.
Corbett is far behind in the gubernatorial polls. This move is one of what many believe will be a series of escalating, people hurting, bizarre, right-wing attempts by the governor to motivate his base. It is another sign of what is shaping up as a turnout election where the right-wing Republican Party will try to win in November with overwhelming tea party activists.
Of all the leaders in Philadelphia, the one who has been most outspoken about saving education in Philly is the President of 1199, the healthcare union, Henry Nicholas.
I know a bit about teachers. My mother was one. She died of a massive heart attack suffered in the classroom six months before retirement.
Photo source: parentsunitedphila.com