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Chicago Teachers Strike For Treatment Like White Suburban Teachers
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) confirmed Wednesday night that its 25,000 teachers and other members will strike at 12:01 Thursday, October 17, 2019.
This action comes after months of negotiation between the CTU and the City of Chicago have failed to come to terms over mainly benefits, including class size, teachers’ professional aides, and teacher preparation time. Surprisingly, teachers’ pay is not one of the principal demands of the Union. This strike comes after seven years of relative peace between the CTU and the City. It is also the first major test of Chicago’s new “progressive” mayor, Lori Lightfoot.
During the 2012 seven-day strike, the City maintained some schools for half-day sessions. This time around, the Chicago Public School District (CPS) will keep all school facilities open during school hours. Principals and other non-union employees will be on hand to service any students who show up.
That includes serving breakfast and lunch; but all extra-curricular and after-school activities (including sports) and school buses will stop. Normally, the CPS services over 300,000 students every day — the third highest number in the nation
Janice Jackson is the CPS’ Chief Executive Officer. Earlier this week, she made the point that fully eighty…
