CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Chicago Teachers Union leaders have set a strike date for Oct. 17, unless the CTU and Chicago Public Schools can agree on a new contract.
The news came Wednesday night. CTU President Jesse Sharkey said negotiations will continue with CPS and the Lightfoot administration.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot has urged teachers to accept the latest offer from CPS, which she said provides for salary increases and addresses a union sticking point — some guarantees for librarians, counselors and nurses at schools.
A strike would affect 360,000 school children.
In a video posted to social media after the CTU's announcement, CPS CEO Janice Jackson and Lightfoot said school buildings will remain open during the day if teachers walk off the job. Students will be welcome and will be offered a warm meal, Jackson said.
After-school activities will be canceled under a strike scenario, Jackson said.
Mayor Lightfoot also said that all CPS buildings would remain open, though the city still plans to forge ahead and reach an agreement.