JANUARY 15, 2021 PHILADELPHIA— In response to new reporting showing that Jeffrey Yass funded efforts to overturn the 2020 election, AFT Pennsylvania President Arthur Steinberg, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan, and Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers President Nina Esposito-Visgitis issued the following statement: “For years, billionaire Jeffrey Yass has funded efforts to destroy public…
January 14, 2021 PHILADELPHIA— The Fund Our Facilities Coalition (FOF), established in early 2019 in response to the ongoing facilities crisis in Philadelphia’s public schools, continues to grow and further our demands for safe and healthy schools. Today, the Coalition released an updated demand and member list. Newly elected officials outlined their commitment to the…
January 6, 2021 PHILADELPHIA— In response to the coup attempt in Washington, D.C., PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: “I’m disgusted and sickened by the domestic terrorism unfolding at the US Capitol. In an extraordinarily dangerous and volatile situation, a group of primarily white seditionists are attempting a coup, and this disgraceful display…
December 23, 2020 Dear Members, It has certainly been an historic year, and one wrought with profound loss and sadness. And as you embark upon a well-deserved respite, I hope you will take time to pause and reflect on how much you have accomplished amidst such trying times. You have done so much for our…
December 1, 2020 This afternoon, PFT President Jerry Jordan delivered testimony before City Council in opposition to Bill 200366, which would delay changes to the 10-year tax abatement. President Jordan’s testimony can be downloaded here. Philadelphia City Council Committee of the Whole Bill 200366 December 1, 2020 Testimony by Jerry T. Jordan, President of the…
November 17, 2020 PHILADELPHIA— In response to the University of Pennsylvania’s announcement of a $100M pledge to remediate District facilities issues, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: “This is an extraordinary day for our schoolchildren and educators. Because of University of Pennsylvania’s $100 Million pledge, students and staff will be safer and healthier…
November 10, 2020 PHILADELPHIA— In response to the School District of Philadelphia’s announcement to remain virtual, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: “The decision to remain fully virtual for the foreseeable future will save lives. The science of COVID-19, paired with the massive ventilation and other facilities issues throughout the District, makes it…
“The Trump campaign’s visit to our great city, in order to sow division, lies, and conspiracies, is the actual bad thing in Philadelphia.” November 4, 2020 PHILADELPHIA— In advance of the Trump campaign’s planned press conference in Philadelphia, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: “The current occupant of the White House has led…
“We’re fighting for a better tomorrow for all of us. And I’m devastated that there is no tomorrow for Walter Wallace, Jr. Black Lives Matter. Yesterday, today, and always.” October 22, 2020 PHILADELPHIA— Following the fatal shooting of Walter Wallace, Jr. at the hands of Philadelphia Police, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:…
“But let me be very clear: my members and their students cannot return without their health and safety protected.” October 22, 2020 PHILADELPHIA— Today, as the School Board meets, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement on the proposed PreK-2 reopening model: “Yesterday, the PFT announced a tentative agreement and outlined the terms of…