Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers

As we prepare to begin the new school year, members of the PFT negotiations team --- Rufus Jordan, Mary VanHorn, Sherman Shrager, Sylvia Wilson, George Gensure, Nina Esposito-Visgitis, Attorney Steve Jordan, and I --- want to remind you that status quo continues to be in effect for Teachers and Other Professional Employees.

As you know, status quo is a provision of Act 195 and means that the terms and conditions of the Teachers and Other Professional Employees Agreement remain in effect, while negotiations continue through December 31, 2005. Additionally, through agreement with the school district, teachers and other professional employees who are eligible to move on the salary schedule throughout this time period will do so.

P negotiations regarding the numerous unresolved issues will continue, with no negative impact being experienced by our membership;

P members of our bargaining unit eligible to receive increases as a result of scheduled movement on the salary scale (or other increases) will receive those increases;

P all contractual terms and conditions remain intact throughout this time frame, without the PFT relinquishing any rights or options available through PA collective bargaining laws prospectively.

In summary:

· Status quo will remain in effect.

· Negotiations for a successor Teachers and Other Professional Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement will continue.

· Teachers and other professional employees eligible to move on the salary schedule (to steps 2 through 10, TPI, longevity, and advanced study credit) will advance as scheduled through December 31, 2005.

Thank you for your attention to and continued support of your negotiating team’s work on behalf of the PFT, our members, and our schools.