After filing a 10-day strike notice Wednesday, the Chicago Teacher's Union met on Thursday afternoon and voted unanimously in favor of a strike.
Negotiations between CTU and CPS will continue through the week and possibly into the weekend, meaning a strike could still be averted.
The Chicago Teachers Union wants what it considers fair wages, raises, merit, job evaluations, and benefits. They have been negotiating since November of last year.
The strike date is set for September 10th, which would mark the first teacher walkout in Chicago since 1987.
CPS released details on Thursday about their 'Children First' contingency plan in preparation for a strike.
Even though the Chicago Teacher's Union and Chicago Public Schools gone through hundreds of issues, some of the big-ticket issues are still out there that remain unsolved.
CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard said they need to take advantage of the next 11 days and work until they reach a fair resolution.
"If our priority is our kids, then strike should never be an option," said Brizard in a statement released from CPS.
"We remain focused on negotiations, a
strike would only hurt our kids. So if the leadership of CTU decides to go on
strike again, as we've done over the past 24 hours we'll be ready, but none of
us want a strike."
A mother, Susan
Barker worries about what she's going to do with her children if the teachers
take to the picket line.
"Why would they put the kids into a routine, into
a school routine and then you're going to take them out? And then the kids have
to pay for it at the end of the year and go to school an extra week or two
weeks or a month even."
Oscar Meraz has a
plan for his 3-year-old son Oscar Jr. but, he just wonders if a strike starts,
when will it end?
"I agree with the teachers, I have a lot of
friends that are teachers and I agree with what they've got to do. But, at the
same time, it's a double edged sword."
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Sunday, May 19 2013 3:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:10:22 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-05-19 18:56:43 GMT
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:32:45 GMT
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:52:09 GMT
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
