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Strike still possible for Pittsburgh teachers, but progress made

A top official representing the Pittsburgh school district told Channel 11 that after 23 hours of talks between union leadership and Pittsburgh Public Schools progress has been made

School solicitor Ira Weiss told Channel 11 that "money and benefits have been settled - we believe progress is being made but there is one remaining issue."

The solicitor would not talk publicly about what that one remaining issue is, but sources in the district and from the rank and file of teachers say it’s over the ability of teachers and not top-down management to decide issues that affect students' education.

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There are no details yet on the two issues that have been agreed upon -- salaries and benefits -- but late this afternoon district officials told Channel 11 by phone that, "We feel we have made substantial progress we're down to one issue and prepared to negotiate."

Channel 11 contacted the president of the teacher’s union, Nina Esposito-Visgitis, who said there is nothing new to report.

Because neither side has announced when they'll return to the bargaining table, we asked the mayor what should happen next.

“The offer still stands; both the county exec and I have made this very clear -- we bring resources that neither side have. We have abilities to try and find common solutions that may require additional resources and we are here to help,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto.