The Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers remains determined to organize charter school staff here even though its first effort in Pittsburgh failed.

Staff at Northside Urban Pathways Charter School, Downtown, last week voted against union representation. Nonprofessional employees voted 3-0 and professional employees voted 18-3 against.

Statewide, staff at only three charter schools have organized -- two in Philadelphia by the federation and one in the Chester-Upland School District by the Pennsylvania Education Association.

There are about 100 charter schools in the state.

The charter school law approved in 1997 permits organizing for collective bargaining, but the staff cannot be part of another bargaining unit.

Linda Clautti, CEO for Northside Urban Pathways, said, "In the end, I believe the employees came to recognize that all the red tape that goes along with having a union is just not necessary where there is good, open communication."

John Tarka, executive director of the Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers, said, "Of course, we're disappointed with the results of this election, but it doesn't mean we're not going to look again at organizing opportunities at our charter schools."

He said that throughout the state, the union has seen problems with pay equity, lack of due process and availability of benefits at some charter schools.

Northside Urban Pathways has about 250 students enrolled in grades 6-12.

The PSEA and the PFT have an agreement that any organizing efforts in a charter school will be done by the union which represents the school district.