Denver Teachers Strike

Resolution in support of denver teachers strike

Resolution issued by the Denver Area Labor Federation, January 2018

dalf Stands in support of the denver classroom teachers association

WHEREAS, the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) represents more than 5,600 educators throughout the Denver Public School (DPS) system;

WHEREAS, DCTA believes public education is the gateway to opportunity- and that all students have the human and civil right to a quality public education that develops their potential, independence, and character;

WHEREAS, teacher turnover is already very high and increasing in DPS – in fact, 31 percent of Denver teachers have only been in their school for three years or less;

WHEREAS, high teacher turnover hinders student achievement;

WHEREAS, Denver has one of the most vibrant economies in the world, yet teachers in Denver are not compensated fairly and make less base pay than teachers in nine surrounding metro counties;

WHEREAS, the lack of competitive pay in Denver, where the cost of living is high, creates enormous stress on teachers who are struggling to afford to live in the same community where they teach;

WHEREAS, many teachers resort to holding one or two additional jobs to survive, or are forced to leave the profession altogether;

WHEREAS, students suffer when they do not have experienced, high-quality educators;

WHEREAS, base salary must significantly increase for all educators so they can financially plan for their futures and commit their professional lives to the services of Denver children and families;

WHEREAS, a victory for the teachers of Denver would be a victory for unionized workers nationally as we struggle to resist the imposition of austerity conditions, privatization, and the plundering of public assets; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Denver Area Labor Federation and our 90,000 members stand united with DCTA in their effort to secure fair compensation for all DPS educators via bargaining and/or a worker strike; and be it

RESOLVED, that the Denver Area Labor Federation will publicize to our members and allies how best to support striking teachers; be it further

RESOLVED, that we urge our affiliates and partner allies to adopt a similar resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we urge our fellow unionists not to cross the picket line.

RESOLVED, that we urge our affiliates and partner allies to adopt a similar resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be made public for any and all to see.