Chicago Teachers Union Sets Strike Date

The Chicago Teachers Union has voted to set a potential strike date of Sept. 10. 

Union delegates representing over 26,000 teachers and paraprofessionals approved the date this evening by passing the following resolution:

RESOLVED that the House of Delegates shall set a strike date of September 10, 2012.

The strike is necessary to achieve a labor contract with acceptable wages, benefits and job protections; and for all other purposes for which a strike is authorized under law. The strike is also necessary to protest unfair labor practices committed by CPS against our membership.

Union officials are still negotiating and a strike could be averted if the two sides come to an agreement before the proposed date.

CPS does have a contingency plan should the teachers strike. Options include opening 145 schools for a partial day and partnering with churches and nonprofits to provide places for children to go during school hours, according to a CPS release.

The following points were detailed by CPS:

• Keep approximately 145 school sites open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday – Friday

• Staffing open sites with Central Office staff and other non-CTU employees as well as organizations who will be invited to submit a request for proposals (RFP) to help staff schools and provide programming.
• Providing daily nutrition services to all students attending a site, including breakfast and lunch.
• Partnering with City Sister Agencies to provide additional options for families. 

Read the full document for more details. 

CPS serves 403,000 students in 675 schools throughout the city. 

Do you think a strike is warranted? 

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