Karen Lewis: Why We’re Striking in Chicago | Seattle Education

Karen Lewis: Why We’re Striking in Chicago | Seattle Education:

Karen Lewis: Why We’re Striking in Chicago

by seattleducation2011

This statement was issued on Monday, September 10, 2012 and a reminder of what this strike is all about:

Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union

Negotiations have been intense but productive, however we have failed to reach an agreement that will prevent a labor strike. This is a difficult decision and one we hoped we could avoid. Throughout these negotiations have I remained hopeful but determined. We must do things differently in this city if we are to provide our students with the education they so rightfully deserve.
Talks have been productive in many areas. We have successfully won concessions for nursing mothers and have put more than 500 of our members back to work. We have restored some of the art, music, world language, technology and physical education classes to many of our students. The Board also agreed that we will now