Bargaining Update

Denver Public Schools

Last week, after three days of bargaining, more than 1,000 emails to the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education from members, multiple press events, an op-ed, and countless other actions, all seven Education Support Professionals’ (ESP) unions within DPS, including CWA Local 7777, reached a tentative agreement with the district that provides equitable pay increases as educational support staff face the new, challenging reality of providing service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agreement includes an additional 3% towards salary, including steps, COLA, and longevity, for ESPs in the 2020-21 school year and an additional 0.5% in January if a tax levy passes in November.

This agreement was won because, for the first time ever, all seven ESP unions bargained together in solidarity. The school district's initial offer was around 1% for ESP groups. The unions stood strong and moved the district to an agreement that honors the work of our members.