The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has already authorized a strike if it cannot reach a new contract with the School District of Philadelphia by Aug. 31 — the date the current contract expires, just a few days into the 2025-26 school year. It would mark the first teachers' strike in Philadelphia in more than 40 years.

On Wednesday, union leaders held a news conference on where labor talks with the district stand, with the first day of school — Aug. 25 — less than two weeks out.

The union, which represents teachers, nurses and other staff, says it's still waiting on a contract and wants the district to meet its demands. They reiterated plans to go on strike if the district and union can not reach a new deal.

PFT President Arthur Steinberg said the two sides are starting to make

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