© Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune
Vice President of Chicago Teachers Union Stacy Davis Gates speaks to the media concerning negotiations between the union and the mayor on Oct. 16, 2019.
It's official — Chicago Public Schools teachers are
on strike and hit picket lines early Thursday after failing to reach a new contract deal with the city following months of negotiations.
In announcing the Chicago Teachers Union's first open-ended walkout since 2012, President Jesse Sharkey said teachers and school support staff deserve "to have pay and benefits that give us dignity and respect. I don't think we are there on that yet."
Even before the formal decision to strike, the union's overtures toward a walkout prompted Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago schools chief Janice Jackson to preemptively cancel Thursday classes, though the hundreds of schools in the district will remain open for children who need a safe place to go.
Lightfoot told reporters after the official word came down Wednesday night that she was "disappointed" with CTU's decision.
"We will remain at the table," Lightfoot said. "We hope CTU will as well. I hope this work stoppage will end soon."
Comment: While it's just an idiotic stunt, this really showcases the average Extinction Rebellion protester's mindset - they have no idea what they're fighting for and, more importantly, why. XR's talking points can be taken apart by a 5th-grader, so it's little wonder they resort to dressing up in funny costumes and talking into a banana.
See also: