Pueblo, Colorado Teachers Strike Ends

PUEBLO, Colo.—The first teachers’ strike in Colorado since 1994 ended May 13, after unions representing teachers and paraprofessionals in the city of Pueblo overwhelmingly ratified new two-year contracts. Pueblo Education Association members voted 495-62 to approve a deal that will give them a 2% cost-of-living adjustment retroactive to January, a 2.5% adjustment in September, and $50 a month more towards health-insurance premiums, also starting in September. The Pueblo ParaProfessional Education Association voted 57-2 to accept a $500 bonus in June and a 3.25% cost-of-living adjustment starting in September. The agreements also ensure that teachers and paras will get paid for the five days they were on strike, with the district covering three days and the other two counted against their excused leave. PEA President Suzanne Ethredge told KOAA-TV that the walkout “was a necessary step, we’re very glad we took it, but at the same time we’re very glad we that we can get our students back in the classrooms.” The school board will decide whether to approve the contracts on May 22. Read more