Chicago Teachers Vote By Wide Margin To Move Toward Strike
Chicago teachers, clinicians and paraprofessional union members voted by a wide margin to authorize a strike, setting the stage for a walkout less than six months into Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s term. Educators could walk out as early as Oct. 7. The union said 94% of its members voted in favor of a walkout. With ballots in from 90% of schools late Thursday night, the vote meets the 75% threshold of support from all active union members required by state law. “This is a clear signal from the members of the Chicago Teachers Union that we need the mayor and the Board of Education to address critical needs across our schools,” said union President Jesse Sharkey.