PHILADELPHIA (AP) - About 1,000 Philadelphia school teachers are protesting to draw attention to their lack of a contract.

They started Monday morning with pickets outside schools around the city, and rallies and marches are planned throughout the day. Many took sick days to protest, and supportive parents are joining in the May Day actions.The educators have been working nearly four years without a contract and nearly five without a pay raise.Schools are open and the district says it's working with principals and the company that provides substitute teachers to ensure there will be no disruptions on the classrooms.