Scranton Federation of Teachers begins strike

SCRANTON, Pa. (WOLF) — More than 800 teachers and paraprofessionals from the Scranton School District are now officially on strike.

Hundreds of teachers joined the picket line today, outside of the Scranton School District administration building to demand a new contract.

“Because the Scranton School Board and the central administration have decided to disrespect teachers and parents after five years without the collective bargaining agreement,” said Rosemary Boland, President of the Scranton Federation of Teachers.

The Scranton Federation of Teachers says they want competitive wages, nationally accepted healthcare benefits, and the return of the preschool program.

“Here we are today, standing up for our rights as teachers. We're standing up for the student’s rights that we have seen cut, after cut, to everything that matters to kids,” said Boland.

“I'm outraged as a teacher in the district, and I'm outraged as a parent in the district because I have two children who are in our Scranton schools. They are experiencing the effect of their budgetary impact, eliminating the preschool program and cutting the related arts and closing our neighborhood schools,” said first grade teacher, Jennifer Telesco Loftus.

The schools within the Scranton School District will remain closed until the strike is over.

“I think they should have done it last year when the kids were virtual, but I'm glad that they're standing up for themselves. They need more pay and benefits,” said Niayahna Neff-Turner, who has a son in first grade.

The Scranton School District says they’re hoping to come to an agreement quickly.

“We all know the number one purpose that we're in this business is for kids. So, we need to work to get this done, and get our kids back to school,” said Scranton School District Superintendent, Missy McTiernan.

The teachers say they’re prepared to strike for as long as needed until they come to a resolution. The last time they went on strike was in 2015, and that lasted 11 days.

Although the schools are closed due to the strike, the Scranton School District is still serving meals to students at each school from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

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