CTU prez speaks at today's massive rally DAY #6 9-15-12 #faircontractnow #CTUSTRIKE #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2 Labor Beat

The first week of the historic September 2012 Chicago teachers strike. Interviews and scenes from the picket lines at Amundsen HS, Kenwood Academy, Steinmetz HS, Lawndale Elementary Community Academy, Reilly Elementary, Burley Elementary, Marsh Elementary, Marshall HS, Lane Tech HS, Kelly HS, Monroe Elementary -- all of which are only a small fraction of all the schools on strike in the City.

Also scenes from the massive 30,000-strong teacher rally and march in the Loop on Monday, followed by another massive march on Tuesday. After this rally, a crush of TV cameras and reporters, desperate to get more interview footage, tag along with CTU President Karen Lewis as she leaves the event -- a scene which dramatizes the tremendous importance of this story for the City as well as for National media.

On Wednesday, huge CTU protests and picket lines targeted schools called by the union "scab schools" where parents were encouraged by the Mayor to send their children. Striking teacher Steve Pearson said that Lane Tech "typically can hold 4,000-5,000 students. On Monday [the first day of the strike] we were told to expect 4,200 kids to come here. We had 20. And yesterday it was down to about 10. And today [Wednesday] I'm not sure there are any kids here."

On Saturday, September 15, the time of the completion of this video, the CTU announced that it had reached a "framework for an agreement" but that the strike has not been suspended as of yet. The union negotiating team pointed out that if specific language would be ready for the House of Delegates meeting to consider on Sunday, they would be able to vote on it then.

A unique and essential document on the most important week for the fate of Chicago's and the country's public school system. Length - 26:45

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