Pittsburgh teachers union seeks strike vote

Pittsburgh Public Schools said late Friday that the union representing its teachers and other employees has notified members it will seek authorization for a strike.

Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers president Nina Esposito-Visgitis confirmed that the union will mail authorization ballots to members.

“We do not take this lightly,” Ms. Esposito-Visgitis said in a phone interview Friday night.

The news comes as union members — 2,400 teachers, 565 paraprofessionals and 20 technical-clerical employees — continue to work under the terms of a contract that expired June 30.

If union members vote for authorization, it does not necessarily mean a strike will occur. According to the district, the union would have to give 48 hours of notice before striking.

Ms. Esposito-Visgitis said she could not say how likely it was that the union would strike.

“We have been negotiating in good faith for a year and a half,” Ms. Esposito-Visgitis said. “We are willing to continue negotiations.”

In a press release, the district said it also wanted to continue negotiations.

“We continue to work diligently with PFT leadership toward a resolution that reflects our deep respect for our outstanding teachers while also prioritizing our mission of providing the highest quality education possible for every student,” the district said.