Philadelphia teachers call a strike

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia's teachers called a strike Friday afternoon for the first time since 1981 in a move that could disrupt classes for 210,000 students on Monday if an agreement isn't reached over the weekend.

The union announced the walkout after talks between the city and the 21,000 teachers, nurses, librarians, counselors and other school employees broke down.

School had already let out for the day when the strike was called, and union spokesman Bob Bedard said there is still hope that classes can be held as usual on Monday in the nation's seventh-largest school district.

''The real deadline, as everyone knows, is Monday morning,'' he said.

Mayor John Street accused the teachers union of refusing to compromise and said he would not tolerate a long strike. He said he would talk to Republican Gov. Tom Ridge about arranging a ''friendly takeover'' of the school system by the state, which could force teachers back to work.

''This is the last best offer, folks,'' Street said. ''You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand that there's no more money.''

The main issues include pay raises, health benefits and a move by the school board to extend the school day one hour.

Starting salaries are $31,344 for teachers with a bachelor's degree and $32,555 with a master's degree. Teachers reach the top of the pay scale after 11 years, earning about $50,000 annually, after which they get the annual percentage increase in the contract.

Some fear that a strike by Philadelphia's teachers could disrupt the Nov. 7 election and damage Vice President Al Gore's chances of winning Pennsylvania. If the teachers decided to picket the 198 schools that serve as polling places, voters in Philadelphia - a heavily Democratic city with a strong labor presence - might stay home rather than cross the lines.

City officials have said that parents should make their own arrangements to care for children. City-owned recreation centers and public libraries have space for fewer than 10,000 children.

The old teachers contract expired Sept. 1.

With talks at a standstill, the mayor unilaterally imposed new work rules last month that include an 18.1 percent raise over five years, at a cost of about $400 million. District officials have said the union proposals would cost at least $100 million more - money, they say, the district does not have. The district faces an $80 million deficit.

The new work rules also extend the school day by one hour beginning next year and increase teachers' out-of-pocket costs for health insurance.

The union also opposes new rules that eliminate pay for extracurricular activities.

For its part, the teachers want smaller classes, stronger early-childhood education, a new reading program and better school security.

The governor has backed the school system and expressed support for a state takeover of the district if the mayor requests it.

The last Philadelphia teachers strike lasted 51 days.

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On the Net:

Philadelphia schools: http://www.philsch.k12.pa.us

Philadelphia Federation of Teachers: http://www.pft.org