Philadelphia Federation Of Teachers President Speaks Out About Budget Crisis
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Mayor Nutter says "shared sacrifice" is required to restore the $300 million in cuts recently made in the school district's budget. But the teachers union says its members have sacrificed enough.
In addition to $180 million in new city and state revenues, the school district says it needs $133 million in labor concessions.
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan says the union made $30 million worth of concessions a year and a half ago.
"We were told at that time that that was all that was needed in order to help balance the school district's budget. And we willingly did that," he explains.
But Mayor Nutter says the teachers need to give again.
"We have asked our citizens for more over the last couple of years. I appreciate what the teachers and others have done in the past. This is a current request. We need everyone to share in the sacrifice," says Nutter.
Jordan says, no way. He says laying off school counselors and secretaries is too much sacrifice.
