CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A majority of Chicago Teachers Union members have authorized leaders to call a strike, CTU officials announced Thursday evening.
Ninety-four percent of CTU members supported the move as the teachers union continues to be at odds with representatives of the Chicago Public Schools system over a new contract. The vote doesn't guarantee teachers will walk off the job, but sets the stage for a potential strike as early as Oct. 7. Negotiations were expected to continue.
Ninety-four percent of CTU members vote to authorize a strike to win the schools Chicago's students deserve. #putitinwriting #faircontractnow #twill
— ChicagoTeachersUnion (@CTULocal1)
September 27, 2019 Teachers last went on strike -- for seven school days -- in 2012 during the administration of Mayor Rahm Emanuel. His successor, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, on Thursday urged teachers to accept the latest offer from CPS, which she said provides for salary increases and some guarantees for librarians, counselors and nurses at schools.
Among the union's demands is a 15% total raise over a three-year contract, while CPS has offered 16% over five years.
A strike would affect 360,000 school children.
