HARRISBURG -- Because state officials' progress toward fashioning a new state budget continues to crawl at a snail's pace, Gov. Ed Rendell said today he may change his mind and push for a temporary or "stopgap" budget.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on September 16 in Pittsburgh concerning the law suit filed by FOSCEP, AFSCME and PSSU over the Commonwealth’s tactics during a budget impasse.

Harrisburg, PA – 7 Pennsylvania unions have joined together to form a coalition against payless paydays. 

Gov. Ed Rendell also wants to use $42 million in federal economic stimulus dollars to restore cuts to state-related universities (Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University) in 2009-10. 

Gov. Ed Rendell is pumping an additional $118 million from the federal economic stimulus dollars into his $300 million basic education subsidy in 2009-2010.

Teachers at Wakisha Charter School voted overwhelmingly Friday, Feb. 20, to affiliate with the Alliance of Charter School employees (ACSE), an affiliate of the AFT Pennsylvania.

AFTPA president Ted Kirsch called the Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board's suggestion that it reduce the multiplier used to calcuate pensions ridiculous.

The Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO in January called on Temple University alumni, supporters and organizations to withhold donations to the school until labor agreements with unionized employees have been reached.

Most adults favor legislation that makes it easier for workers to bargain with employers for better wages, benefits and working conditions, says a new opinion poll released on Jan. 8. Join AFT members to pass EFCA in President Obama's first 100 Days.

The Employee Free Choice Act will make it easier for workers to form unions. Help us get EFCA passed in 2009. The AFL-CIO has a new EFCA Website to help you get involved.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR PFT MEMBERS, STUDENTS, FAMILIES!
Union members can take advantage of NEW grant, scholarship and award opportunities for themselves, their schools and their students. New listings weekly. 2009 Summer Holocaust Institute in Poland and Israel, low-cost computers for low-income families and PA Hospital education program just added.

AFT Pennsylvania members are urged to contact their state Senator and Representative to urge them to pass a bill authorizing annual cost-of-living adjustments to pensions.

The AFT Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers have joined a statewide coalition called the Campaign for School Funding to fight for fair and adequate funding for all 501 school districts.