They're turning down 9% raises over the next 4 years?
Who gets that kind of guarantees these days and they still want more?
Chicago teachers strike for first time in 25 years; contingency sites ready; charter schools remain open
BY ROSALIND ROSSI and LAUREN FITZPATRICK Staff Reporters- Chicago Sun-Tmes
Chicago teachers began walking the picket line for the first time in 25 years Monday morning, leaving parents to scramble for alternatives for their children.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel quickly blasted the strike
announcement Sunday as “a strike of choice.” He repeatedly declared: “My
team is available now.”
The first pickets appeared outside Chicago Public
School headquarters at 125 S. Clark early Monday, and more were expected
outside schools throughout the city.
“Negotiations have been intense but productive,
however we have failed to reach an agreement that will prevent a labor
strike,” Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said at a dramatic
10 p.m. Sunday press conference. “Real school will not be open
[Monday]. ... No CTU member will be inside our schools.
