Teacher union leaders staged a charged rally in downtown Chicago yesterday punctuated by Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis asking the assembled crowd, “What are we here for?” and the crowd chanting back, “Strike!”
Kristie Mayle, financial secretary of CTU, did say that the union is still negotiating with the Chicago Public Schools over a collective bargaining contract that expires June 30. But the clear message yesterday was one of fierce acrimony toward Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Also, speakers portrayed CTU on the front line of a national battle to preserve labor union rights.
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A new 
In an unfolding dispute that reflects the larger issues surrounding charter schools and teachers unions in Chicago, a South Side charter, whose teachers were told their school was closing one day after they voted to unionize, will stay open for now.
Thousands of 
The Chicago Teachers Union and community activists are enraged that the Board of Education rubber stamped school closings and turnarounds -- they want Chicago voters, not the Chicago Mayor, to 