Union: $20M in givebacks offered to Philly schools

Blue-collar workers in Philadelphia’s cash-strapped public schools system say they’re offering $20 million in givebacks to avoid layoffs.

All the nearly 2,700 members of the union representing the district’s mechanics, cleaners and other workers have received layoff notices. The first round of 400 layoffs would take effect next month.

 

The members of SEIU 32BJ says they’ve offered the district millions in concessions but so far haven’t gotten anywhere. The district and union have set a Friday deadline to reach an agreement.

A district spokesman tells The Philadelphia Inquirer school officials are working on a deal with the union but declined to discuss specifics.

The district faces a $218 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year that begins July 1.