Hundreds protest against Phila. SRC's controversial move

SPRING GARDEN (WPVI) -- Hundreds of teachers, students and supporters shut down Broad Street in protest then brought the SRC meeting that followed to a standstill.

The protests, which started around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, took place between Spring Garden and Callowhill streets - outside the school district's headquarters.

They were protested last week's abrupt move by the School Reform Commission to cancel the teachers' union contract.

"The action of the SRC to try to cancel our contract and impose health benefits is shameful. We are tired of the lies," teacher Yvette Jone said at the rally.

If the action by the SRC holds up in court, starting December 15th, 15,000 teachers and other union members will be forced to contribute to health benefits up to 13 percent of their medical premiums.

The majority of union members didn't contribute anything.

The district says the move will allow for a savings of nearly $44 million, money that will go directly back into schools.

Teachers and their supporters say they've already sacrificed enough.

"This is going to affect every teacher so dramatically, we get paid nothing and we work hard every single day," teacher Angela Masceri said.

"They're making it seem like we're the reason why they're failing," teacher Michele Fulwood said.

"This was a sneak attack. It was pitiful," retired teacher Lorraine Overton said.

Earlier this week, Superintendent William Hite told Action News this was the best option to generate the cash the district needs now.

"One of the reasons this action was so important is because our children are in the schools without resources. People say they are shocked. How can you be shocked that we took action that generates $44 million to benefit children in the schools right now," Hite said.