Chicago teachers strike for first time in 25 years; contingency sites ready, charters remain open
BY ROSALIND ROSSI and LAUREN FITZPATRICK Staff Reporters September 9, 2012 5:36PM
| Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union and Vice president Jesse Sharkey talk to the media as Chicago Public Schools will be on Strike this Monday. Sunday Sept 9, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times |
For the first time in 25 years, Chicago’s teachers are on strike.
“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.
“Please seek alternative care for your children.”
The announcement was quickly blasted by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as “a strike of choice” that didn’t have to happen if talks continued. He repeatedly declared: “My team is