Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis had harsh
words today at a press conference outside the Board
of Education, indicating that a strike might be on the way. Another possible indication: The Board of Education unveiled a resolution at their monthly meeting for a Chicago Public Schools strike contingency plan.
Lewis was a bit more conciliatory a couple of hours after the press conference in remarks
before the Board. She said there would be a contract and that
“hopefully” there will be “movement on major issues” in the next few
days. Also, Lewis echoed the remarks of CPS officials that thanks to a potential new labor deal the Board of
Education will consider a fresh 2012-13 school year budget at their
September meeting.
We may know more about whether teachers will
stage a strike following a CTU House of Delegates meeting at 4:30 p.m.
today. * The union must provide CPS a ten-day notice prior to a walkout.
The majority of CPS schools start class September 4. Read more »
At 6:30 a.m. today the Chicago Teachers Union will officially go on strike for
the first time since 1987, affecting about 404,000 Chicago Public Schools
students and 26,500 teachers. Both Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said they expect a return to the bargaining table
today.
The following is written by Oscar Weil, former executive director of the Illinois Federation of Teachers.