Frustrated DPS teachers rally (Denver)

Contract talks stalled

By Allison Sherry
Denver Post Staff Writer

Close to 1,000 raucous teachers gathered in front of the Denver Public Schools administration building during a wet and frigid rush hour Thursday in hopes of getting more pay and planning time in their contract this fall. <snip>

Among the sticking points: The district wants secondary teachers to teach one more class period a day, and the proposed salary increase includes only a 0.1 percent cost-of-living allowance, as well as the regular step increases. <snip>

The teachers union filed a 30-day notice on March 16 with the Colorado Department of Labor warning of an unresolved dispute.

Although the notice technically gives teachers the liberty to strike or do a work stoppage in April, both sides will go through mediation first.

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~53~2781285,00.html