The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and the administration at one of the largest school districts in the United States have finally reached a collective bargaining agreement after nearly two years. The previous agreement in this district of 200,000 students expired in August of 2008, and has been extended five times so that the teachers could continue to teach. The new agreement was announced early this morning. It covers just over 17,000 employees and covers several years. Details of the agreement have not been released yet, as union leaders have not yet discussed the contract with the employees. Union members will hear about the contract tomorrow, and a vote is scheduled for Thursday, January 21.
See "Philly teachers reach deal after almost two years", The Washington Post, January 18, 2010