Union: Neshaminy teachers, district deal close

The union representing some suburban Philadelphia teachers says negotiators are “not that far apart” in their efforts to settle a long-running contract dispute.

The Neshaminy School District teachers will be starting their fourth year without an agreement Monday.

Union vice president Louise Boyd told The Philadelphia Inquirer that two negotiating sessions have shown that “both sides are capable of talking.”

The district has offered 1 percent increases and wants teachers to pay 10 percent of their health care costs. The union is seeking 3 percent increases and retroactive pay, which the district says it cannot afford. Boyd says members have offered concessions but retroactive pay is important.

The teachers plan a “work to contract” job action but say they will participate in all functions involving students and parents.