Labor Leaders Contemplated Citywide Strike to Protest SRC

The School Reform Commission’s decision to unilaterally end its contract with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers nearly caused a shutdown of the entire city, the Inquirer reports this morning — labor leaders briefly contemplated a “general strike” that would have featured members of all area unions walking off the job to protest the decision.

They held off for two reasons: PFT president Jerry Jordan wanted to pursue legal action first. And members wanted to wait the outcome of the November 4th gubernatorial election.

They “all felt there should be a swift movement against the cowardly action of the SRC,” said John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty, head of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, which hosted the meetings at Local 98’s union hall.

“After a thorough vetting, we decided to go out and get Tom Wolf elected” governor, Dougherty said.

Jordan said he appreciated the support of his fellow labor leaders. The SRC’s decision to end collective bargaining “was just so offensive to everyone in labor,” he said.

A rally is planned for Thursday afternoon at school district headquarters.