Watch CBS News

Teachers In Colorado Strike For First Time In 20 Years

PUEBLO, Colo. (CBS4)- For the first time in more than 20 years, teachers are on strike in Colorado.

The teachers in Pueblo School District 60 hit the picket lines on Monday after rejecting the district's latest pay increase.

PUEBLO TEACHER STRIKE 12VO.Consolidated.01_frame_0
(credit: CBS)

The teachers want a two percent pay raise for the current school year which ends in just a few weeks. They decided to strike after the school board said it couldn't afford to follow the recommendations of an independent arbitrator.

PUEBLO TEACHER STRIKE 12VO.Consolidated.01_frame_120
(credit: CBS)

"When you bring in a neutral, outside arbitrator and that person sides with you, saying yes, the district can afford a two percent cost of living increase, well, than that's what we're expecting them to do, do the right thing," said elementary school teacher Denise Torres.

PUEBLO TEACHER STRIKE 12VO.Consolidated.01_frame_360
(credit: CBS)

D-60 says it cannot afford the pay raise until the state starts paying back the money it took from education funding during the great recession.

Check out this interactive map to see how teachers near you are paid:

Darker Green Dots = Higher teacher salaries

Larger Dots = a higher school district performance rating from the CDE

Classroom Common Core
(credit: Thinkstock)
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.