Sep 2, 2008 2:37 pm US/Eastern
Strike Cancels Classes In Duquesne
Parents with children in the Duquesne City School District can call 412/394-5505 for information about the strike
DUQUESNE (KDKA) ―
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Teachers in the Duquesne City School District are set to strike today
KDKA
A teachers strike has cancelled classes for more than 500 students in one local district -- just days after the school year started.
Teachers in the Duquesne City School District hit the picket lines outside the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and Duquesne Elementary School today.
They say their main sticking point is pay.
According to their union, teachers are looking for a 19-percent salary increase; but the district offered them a 3-percent raise.
A union official says the average salary in the district is $44,000, which is the lowest average in Allegheny County.
Teachers' union spokesman Butch Santicola says the length of the strike will likely be determined by what happens in the next few days.
"A lot depends on what happens the first couple of days. If we can get back to the bargaining table, get some reasonable offers back and forth – then this will be short."
"But," Santicola adds, "if we're not settled, I'd say within 72-hours or so, or close to it, we're going to have difficulty here."
The uncertainty has some parents concerned in the district, which has been
plagued by money troubles. The state actually took over the financially-distressed district in 2000; and the high school shut down last year -- sending those former Duquesne High School students to two nearby districts.
Parents can stay updated on the situation by calling 412-394-5505
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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