More negotiations planned Thursday as possible teachers' strike looms in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Talks are expected to continue on Thursday between the School District of Philadelphia and the union representing some 14,000 city teachers as the clock ticks toward a potential strike.
Some of the sticking points are wages, better benefits and paid paternal leave.
School superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington says he is hopeful for a new deal with the union, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and no disruption in classrooms.
The current teachers' contract ends on Aug. 31, about one week after the new school year begins on Aug. 25.
The start date is also one day after SEPTA expects to begin massive service cuts amid a multi-million dollar budget shortfall.
There are more than 198,000 students in the School District of Philadelphia, and nearly a quarter of them rely on SEPTA to get to class.
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