Denver Teachers Go On Strike For Very first Time In 25 Years After Failed Pay Disputes
Graeme Gallagher | Contributor
After 15 months of wage negotiations, Denver teachers will resort to going on strike Monday in an effort to spark a brand-new deal, according to CNN.
It is approximated that about 2,100 instructors will take part in the first Denver strike in 25 years, which will leave about 92,000 trainees over 160 public schools without their instructors forever. In addition, over 4,000 preschool trainees will not have school due to the lack of licensed personnel, the Denver Post reports.
“Education is a best, that is why we have to battle.”
“Whose Schools? Our schools.”
Teachers shouting outdoors South High School. pic.twitter.com/8seJ2hFjGX
— Emily Allen FOX31 (@EmilyAReports) February 11, 2019
The Denver teachers have been calling for an boost in base wages as earnings from year to year is unpredictable due to unforeseeable bonuses.
The Denver Class Teachers Association (DCTA) and the Denver Public Schools (DPS) attempted to treatment the tense situation over the weekend, but talks fell apart as the strike loomed. (RELATED: Here’s Whatever We Know About The Los Angeles Educators’ Strike So Far)
“We felt that we had to usage the last tool in our tool chest to get them to listen,” said lead negotiator for the DCTA. “We think it’s important that DPS sees and knows and comprehends what it’s like not to have teachers in the class.”
On the other side, Denver school public officials state that they provided what instructors are asking for.
“I am very dissatisfied that the DCTA strolled away from the table,” stated Superintendent Susana Cordova. “We provided an updated proposition that reacts to what we heard from our instructors.”
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 11: Denver Public Schools instructors and members of the neighborhood picket exterior South High School on February 11, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)
Spanish teacher Kelsey Brown remains dissatisfied with her wage, saying, “You can’t bank anything on what you’re going to make each year since they have these little bonuses that come and go. Two years ago, I made more than I’m making now.”
The Denver Public Schools offered the instructors $23 million in funds for teacher salaries, a $55 million financial investment over the next three years and an increase to brand-new instructor beginning salary at $45,800 on Saturday, according to CNN.
Marching in #Solidarity with @DenverTeachers this morning. Amazing assistance from the community, shouting and honking and bringing products. #RedforEd #FairPayForTeachers pic.twitter.com/ca8fOnIIRT
— Rep. Emily Sirota (@EmilyForCO) February 11, 2019
“We are exceptionally disappointed that on the last day of bargaining and less than 2 days before a strike, they doubled down on one-time rewards teachers do not want, and the information shows do not work to keep instructors in their schools,” stated DCTA P homeowner Henry Roman.
However, public school authorities and teachers hope to reach a offer before next week. (RELATED: What The Recent Instructor Strikes Say About School Choice)
“We’ve got Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday into Monday,” said Cordova. “Let’s invest as much time possible in negotiations. Let’s clear our calendars to do that.”
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