After hours of intense negotiations, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have failed to reach an agreement that will prevent the first teachers strike in 25 years. Pickets are expected to begin Monday at 675 schools and the Board of Education as early as 6:30 a.m. Teachers, paraprofessionals and school clinicians have been without a labor agreement since June of this year.
Union leaders expressed disappointment in the District’s refusal to concede on issues involving compensation, job security and resources for their students. CTU President Karen Lewis said, “Negotiations have been intense but productive, however we have failed to reach an agreement that will prevent a labor strike. This is a difficult decision and one we hoped we could avoid. Throughout these negotiations have I remained hopeful but determined. We must do things differently in this city if we are to provide our students with the education they so rightfully deserve.
Today teachers paraprofessionals, school clinicians, students, parents and supporters took picketed all CPS schools as a show of unity against a mayor who has been using charter school and Tea Party surrogates to bash the Union
This nurse supports Chicago Teachers
City Councilman Munoz gives support to teachers and Farragut High School
City-wide employees march outside Board of Education HQ
24 minute documentary of Rahm's surrogates, which includes the Tea Party and paid protestors.