CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union remain at odds over a safety plan for reopening as the first day of school is fast approaching.
Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey said Wednesday the two sides are at an "impasse", but later clarified they’re not at a formal impasse.
"We are beginning without a comprehensive reopening agreement. This is a real problem. So far the city has not been willing to agree to metrics, which would close schools and keep us safe if this surge continues," Sharkey said at a Wednesday morning rally outside Benito Juarez Community Academy in Pilsen. "They are trying to cut social distancing in half. They are trying to cut a number of other provisions, which we've had in place since last spring; and they are not willing to make those commitments. And we are not willing to sign an agreement without those commitments, so we are at an impasse."
He later added in an online bargaining update that "broadly speaking bargaining has been slow and frustrating lately. We are not at a formal impasse."
Besides the issue of cutting social distancing from six feet to three feet, the CTU wants to know at what point would a surge in cases trigger remote learning.
"Because if this ends up being a runaway surge, where people are getting sick, hospitalized, and dying, we are going to take action. I think parents are going to support that; and we are not simply going to sit there and participate in mass-spreader events inside of our schools," Sharkey said.
Daily cases this week topped 400, which was the threshold that prompted remote learning last year. The vaccines have changed that.
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The administration said that the health and safety protocols are "in alignment with the health and safety guidelines recommended by the CDC, IDPH and CDPH, and in some cases go beyond them."
CPS is planning to welcome students back for in-person learning five days a week beginning Aug. 30. Like the rest of the state, CPS students and staff will have to wear masks indoors regardless of their vaccination status, except while eating and drinking.
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Additionally, the district is requiring all teachers and other employees get vaccinated by Oct. 15, unless they receive an exemption for religious or medical reasons. CPS will also offer free weekly coronavirus tests to all students and staff.
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Plus on Tuesday, CPS announced that all student-athletes in grades 5 through 12 will be required to either submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or be tested weekly for COVID-19 while their sport is in season.
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