Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey announced he’s returning to the classroom once his term expires in June. Sharkey has led CTU since 2014 through three work stoppages.
Leaders of Illinois’ largest local teachers’ union received swift blowback after their latest push into public politics. Members dissatisfied with the priorities of their union’s leadership deserve to know they have other options.
CTU will continue to fight with the mayor over the next two weeks. Whether they actually walk out remains to be seen. But their behavior has already revealed what union power politics is all about – and who pays the price.
After rejecting an offer based on the recommendations of a neutral third-party report, Illinois’ largest teachers union voted to walk out on their students as soon as Oct. 7.
The Chicago Teachers Union has threatened to strike over contract demands that would cost taxpayers an extra $397 million in the first year. Chicago teachers already make more than other big city peers.
The Chicago Teachers Union is threatening to strike, as negotiations with the city begin to stretch into the coming school year. It would be the union’s third strike in seven years.