The Chicago Teacher's Union hasn't given up on the possibility of going on strike.
In fact, members of the CTU on Friday were printing protests signs to distribute among their ranks should a strike occur.
"Labor negotiations between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools continue, but in the meantime, the union says it must prepare its members for the worst. “On Strike” protest signs are currently being printed, although no decision has been made whether or not teachers, school clinicians and paraprofessionals will issue a work stoppage in coming days."
The CTU authorized a strike vote on Monday, June 11 following a series of contentious negotionations with the city over wages and compensation for working longer days.
Both the CTU and the Chicago Public Schools rejected an arbitrator's recomendation for a 15% to 20% pay increase. CPS had offered a 2% increase.
The two sides still do not have an agreement in place, thus, the CTU continues to lay the groundwork for a strike.
"State law requires the Union to give a 10-day notice before a strike," a statement from CTU read. "'We do not want to strike,' said CTU President Karen Lewis, 'but if we cannot reach an agreement we might. We cannot wait until the day of a strike to print signs and prepare over 25,000 members for a work stoppage. We have to be ready one way or another. We will do what we have must to ensure our rights are respected and our students get what they deserve."
