Negotiations between Pueblo School District 60 and its teachers union have stalled over pay raises, though teachers say they are willing to continue negotiating, perhaps early next week.
The Pueblo Education Association’s contract expired at midnight Thursday. The 925-member union, which represents 86 percent of teachers in the district, has filed an “intent to strike” letter with the Colorado Department of Labor. Teachers would have to vote on whether to strike before a walkout would occur.
The district and the union negotiated Tuesday and Wednesday without an agreement on cost-of-living raises.
Carole Partin, president of PEA, said teachers want to be treated with respect and dignity.
She said the district has reveled in praise from Gov. Bill Owens and others for bridging the achievement gap among low-income and minority students, yet it does not recognize the work of teachers who are responsible for the improvement.
“Teachers are frustrated and very angry,” Partin said.
Greg Sinn, spokesman for District 60, said the union and the district were one-quarter of a percent away from an agreement when talks ended Wednesday.
Sinn said teachers wanted cost- of-living raises of 2 percent the first year and 3 percent the second year. The district offered 2 percent the first year and 2.75 percent the second year. Sinn said the cost-of- living raises are on top of annual step raises of 2.1 percent.
Staff writer Erin Emery can be reached at 719-522-1360 or eemery@denverpost.com.
