Chicago Teachers Union Set Sept. 10 Strike Date

By Chuck Sudo in News on Aug 31, 2012 1:45PM

The time for talking, according to Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis, is over. The Chicago Teachers Union’s House of Delegates unanimously set a strike date for Sept. 10. A resolution released by CTU read:

The strike is necessary to achieve a labor contract with acceptable wages, benefits and job protections; and for all other purposes for which a strike is authorized under law. The strike is also necessary to protest unfair labor practices committed by CPS against our membership.

Lewis told reporters after the meeting, “Enough is enough. We’re done…”

Negotiations between the teachers union and the Chicago School Board on a new labor deal have been contentious for months. Lewis said negotiations will continue in the hopes of avoiding the first teachers strike in Chicago in 25 years.

Chicago Public Schools laid out more details on their contingency plan and started preparing parents of students who would be affected should a strike occur. 145 schools will be open between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., staffed by principals, assistant principals, parent volunteers and employees from CPS’ central office. The schools will provide breakfast and lunch for students. A request for proposals due next week invited non-profits, community groups and other organizations to help provide “positive activities” for students.

CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard appeared on CBS 2 Morning News to refute a report in the Tribune that he’ll take the fall if a strike occurs. Numerous sources told the Tribune Mayor Rahm Emanuel is unhappy Brizard has been unable to reach an agreement with the teachers union and could be fired by Emanuel as soon as a new contract is reached.

Brizard told CBS 2 the mayor called him to voice his confidence in him.