Title
Honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers on the occasion of its 85th anniversary for extraordinary service, advocacy, and dedication to the students, educators, and schools of Philadelphia
Body
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) was chartered on June 10th, 1941, and has, for eighty-five years, served as the representative voice of thousands of educators, paraprofessionals, and school employees committed to high-quality public education throughout the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The charter signatories-Joseph Cottler, Anne Edelmann, Harry Ferleger, Woolf Goldberg, Alice Hanson, Israel Pincus, Harry Rantz, Margaret Root, Olivia Taylor, and Lydia Worthington-electing Celia Pincus as its first President; and through the efforts of its founding members, in 1965, following a collective bargaining campaign supported by Bayard Rustin and Martin Luther King Jr., becoming the sole bargaining unit for Philadelphia teachers and education professionals; and
WHEREAS, PFT Local 3 advocated for Act 19, the Public Employees Relations Act of 1970, which established collective bargaining and strike rights for public employees in Pennsylvania. Through collective action, community partnerships, and civic engagement, the PFT has advanced equitable school funding, safe learning environments, and respect for the educators who shape Philadelphia’s students and communities; and
WHEREAS, PFT’s members represent the teachers, counselors, school nurses, librarians, paraprofessionals, food service managers, and other dedicated staff that have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the academic success and well-being of students in every neighborhood of Philadelphia. Playing a vital role in advocating for policies that strengthen public schools, including initiatives to reduce class sizes, expand access to essential services, improve instructional resources, and address school infrastructure needs; and
WHEREAS, June 10th, 2026, marks the 85th anniversary of the establishment of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers AFT Local 3, presenting an important opportunity to honor its enduring legacy, celebrate the contributions of its members, and recognize its continued advocacy on behalf of Philadelphia's public schools; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA does hereby honor and recognizes the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers on the occasion of its 85th Anniversary and expresses deep appreciation for its decades of service, leadership, and dedication to advancing high-quality public education for all students; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that an engrossed copy of this resolution will be presented to Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President, Arthur G. Steinberg as a sincere expression of the City Council of Philadelphia’s gratitude to honor this occasion.
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