Education

5th Day Of Classes Canceled As Chicago Teacher Strike Continues

The collective bargaining agreements for the Chicago Teachers Union expired July 1, and the strike began Oct. 17.

5th Day Of Classes Canceled As Chicago Teacher Strike Continues
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Article by Stephanie Liebergen
SMS
October 23, 2019

One week into the Chicago Teachers Union strike and there's still no agreement to get teachers back in the classroom. 

Teachers have been on the picket lines since Thursday. Their previous contract expired July 1, and they're calling for guaranteed smaller class sizes, more support staff like counselors and nurses, and higher pay. 

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a former teacher and Democratic presidential frontrunner, joined the teachers in their walkout on Tuesday. 

"Everyone in America should support you in this strike. And the reason is because when you go out and fight, you don't just fight for yourselves, you fight for their children of this city, and the children of this country," Warren said. 

History Shows Teachers' Salaries Aren't Keeping Up With Inflation

History Shows Teachers' Salaries Aren't Keeping Up With Inflation

A growing number of teachers have gone on strike to demand better wages. So we wanted to know: How has teacher pay changed over time?

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The teachers union and Chicago Public Schools agree in principle on many key issues, like increasing teacher pay, supporting homeless students and boosting support staff. But the two sides disagree on exact numbers. The union also wants CPS to put all its promises in writing.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday, the city doesn't have enough money to meet all the union's demands. But union leaders and teachers believe the city has plenty of money, it's just not being spent on education.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.