In Powerful Warning to City Officials, Chicago Teachers Vote for Mass Strike
(COMMON DREAMS) Nadia Prupis, December 15, 2015 — The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) on Monday voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if contract disputes are not resolved, paving the way for members’ second mass walkout since 2012 as city officials threaten further cuts and layoffs.
“Chicago Teachers Union members do not want to strike, but we do demand that you listen to us,” said CTU vice president Jesse Sharkey. “Do not cut our schools, do not lay off educators or balance the budget on our backs.”
CTU’s 24,752 members voted over the course of three days, with a 91 percent turnout. Overall, 88 percent voted in favor of authorizing a strike.A strike can only take place after mediation between teachers and city officials, so it would not happen before March 2016, Sharkey told the Chicago Tribune on Monday.
His statement following the vote specifically addressed Chicago Public Schools chief executive Forrest Claypool as well as Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who faces a growing call for resignation from grassroots groups demanding racial, social, and economic justice.