Starting today, the Baltimore Teachers Union will rally against the progress of contract negotiations — not on the street, but in cyberspace.

“Let’s demonstrate to the board and CEO that Enough is Enough! We deserve to be treated as professionals with DIGNITY and RESPECT!” reads a flier promoting the weeklong “virtual rally” on the BTU Web site at www.baltu.org.

Through Friday, BTU teachers and paraprofessionals can sign the petition on the Web site and send e-mails voicing their concerns to the school board of commissioners.

“Ideally, we’d like all 8,000 teachers and paraprofessionals to participate,” said union spokesman David Barney, who noted the recent controversy over errors in the school system’s budget as a contributing factor in the negotiation problems.

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This is the first time the 73-year-old union, which belongs to the American Federation of Teachers, is using this approach.

“The AFT was instrumental in helping us with the rally,” union president Marietta English said. “There are other areas, as well, that we feel that the teachers’ input is needed and is not being heard, on safety, special education, longevity and promotion, to name few.”

School Board Commissioner Brian Morris and English said Friday they believe a new two-year contract will be signed before the current one expires June 30, but some sticking points remain.

Among those issues listed in the union petition letter are increasing health care premiums and a wage offer described as unacceptable.

The rally will culminate at the April 24 school board meeting.

Neither English or Morris wished to talk about the specifics of the salary disputes at this time.

rcassie@baltimoreexaminer.com