PITTSBURGH  FEDERATION  OF  TEACHERS

March 15, 2006

Dear PFT Colleague:

    I write to you today to update you on the continuing negotiations between the PFT and the School District for a new collective bargaining agreement for our Teachers and Other Professionals Unit.

    Since my last letter to you on Wednesday, March 1st, the union and the school district have held several negotiations sessions, the most recent being held yesterday. The sides have exchanged proposals covering all economic and noneconomic matters, and some issues have been resolved. However, on several key topics, the PFT and the district have significant and substantive differences. In the past, I have indicated to you that several of our differences with the district are very serious, and they continue to be so.

    In this very challenging situation, I want to assure you of several things. First of all, the members of the negotiating team --- Rufus Jordan, Mary VanHorn, Sherman Shrager, George Gensure, Sylvia Wilson, Nina Esposito-Visgitis, attorney Steve Jordan, and I --- remain fully aware of every strategy available to our organization. Second, this team has been clear with the District that we will not recommend to our Executive Board and membership any proposal that we do not believe is equitable and fair. Third, we will involve you directly regarding any action that must be undertaken by the PFT, and your support for any PFT action will be pivotal.

    The PFT negotiators are acutely aware of the concerns our membership feels regarding this tough collective bargaining. Additionally, we very much value the trust and support which you have extended to us. Our commitment to you is unwavering.

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