Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Chicago Teachers Union prez: “I don’t believe in slavery on any level”

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Chicago Teachers Union prez: “I don’t believe in slavery on any level”

Wednesday, Jun 15, 2011

* About a thousand (or 5,000, depending whom you ask) people demonstrated in Chicago yesterday against corporate welfare handouts. Among the protesters was Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis

For the CTU, the rally sets the stage for another fight on Wednesday, when the new school board deals with a proposed longer school day and contractually-obligated four percent teacher pay raises.

“I don’t believe in slavery on any level. I don’t believe we should work for free. Ever. And we’re not going to,” said Lewis.

Slavery? Whew. That’s some overly charged rhetoric if ever there was overly charged rhetoric, especially considering this

CPS officials say that even if the 4 percent hike is denied, 75 percent of teachers will still get a pay increase next year. They will qualify for step increases of 3 to 5 percent granted for more years of service.

* Anyway, the city’s school board voted today to rescind the union raises

Newly-seated Chicago School Board members ruled Wednesday that the cash-strapped CPS system does not have the money to cover