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2019 Chicago Public Schools Strike
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Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2) - Ongoing ()|place=[[Chicago]],IL|causes=|goals=Better Compensation, Increase in Staffing, Wrap-around Services, and Smaller Class Sizes|notes=|methods=[[Strike action|Strikes]], [[Demonstration (people)|Demonstrations]]|result=|howmany1=~ 36,000 CPS Teachers and Staff|howmany2=|side1=[[Chicago Teachers Union]], [[Service Employees International Union]]|side2=[[Chicago Public Schools]], [[Mayor of Chicago]]|side3=|leadfigures1=[[Jesse Sharkey]], [[Stacey Davis Gates]]|leadfigures2=[[Lori Lightfoot]] , [[Janice Jackson]]|leadfigures3=|fatalities=|injuries=|arrests=}}
The '''2019 Chicago Public Schools Labor Strike''' is an on-going labor dispute between [[Chicago Public Schools]] and The [[Chicago Teachers Union]] which represents teachers and PSRPs, and the [[Service Employees International Union]] Local 73 which represents the district's support staff. The strike began on October 17th, 2019 when both unions failed to reach a contract agreement with [[Chicago Public Schools]] over compensation, benefits, staffing, wrap-around services such as counselors, nurses, and librarians, and caps on class sizes.
== Background ==
After the expiration of the CPS contract with CTU in June 2019, a contract dispute emerged. Chicago Public Schools initially offered the union a 14% raise over 5 years while the union was seeking 15% over 3 years. The district proposed a 1.5% increase in healthcare costs while the union sought to maintain their current contributions. An independent fact-finder report suggested that the district offer a 16% raise over 5 years, and a 1% increase in healthcare costs. The district accepted the report, but the union rejected it. On top of pay and healthcare, the two sides disagreed on the length of the contract; the district proposed a 5-year contract while the union proposed a 3-year contract. <ref></ref>
On September 24th, 2019, The CTU hosted a rally alongside SEIU Local 73 representing school support staff and Chicago Park District workers featuring Vermont Senator and Presidential Candidate, Bernie Sanders. <ref><nowiki>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Sanders was joined on the stage by city alderman, other labor activists, and actor [[John Cusack]].<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 2, expected 1)</ref>
On September 27, 2019, CTU members voted to authorize a potential strike starting on October 17 if a contract deal is not reached<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 2, expected 1)</ref> with 94% of its members voting in favor of a strike.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> The union's top priorities in contract negotiations are reducing classroom size and increasing the number of support staff such as nurses, librarians and social worker)<ref></ref>.
On July 16th, 2019, SEIU Local 73 which represents the district's support staff such as custodians, bus aids, and security guards authorized a strike with a 97% approval vote from its members after contract negations stalled between the district and the union after their contract expired in June 2018. <ref></ref> The union cited work schedules, compensation, staffing and benefits as points of conflicts in their contract negotiations. <ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref></ref>
[[File:Chicago Teachers Union Rally 10-14-19 3748 (48906578637).jpg|left|thumb|267x267px|Chicago Teachers Unions, SEIU Local 73 , and their supporters rally downtown for a fair contract on October 14th, 2019. ]]
On October 14th, 2019, the CTU and SEIU Local 73 held a rally for a fair contract in downtown Chicago 3 days before the strike. <ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Despite progress made over the weekend prior, both sides remained divided on class sizes and staffing shortages.<ref></ref>
On October 16th, 2019, the CTU held its house of delegates meeting where the bargaining team presented the board's final offer. The union delegates voted to reject the district's latest contract proposal leading to the beginning of a joint strike with SEIU Local 73 at 12:01 am on October 17th <ref></ref> leaving roughly over 300,000 students out of school<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
On October 16, 2019 CPS cancelled classes for October 17, 2019 in anticipation of the CTU strike. CTU delegates officially voted to go on strike hours afterwards.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 4, expected 1)</ref>
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== Strike and Actions ==
=== October 17th ===
On October 17th, 2019 at 12:01 am, members of the Chicago Teachers Union and the SEIU Local 73, walked off the job. Pickets in front of schools began at 6:30 am in the morning until 10:30 am followed by a rally downtown later in the day.
The CTU and SEIU Local 73 began a rally outside Chicago Public Schools headquarters in downtown Chicago at around 1:30 pm. At around 2:30 pm, the demonstrators began marching through the loop towards to Millennium Park.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
=== October 18th ===
On October 18th, 2019, the strike entered its second days as neither the CTU and SEIU Local 73 were able to reach a contract agreement. CPS staff members of the CTU and SEIU began picketing outside schools at 6:30 am to 10:30 am. <ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>. The two unions held another rally downtown later that day. <ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
=== October 21st. ===
On October 21st, the strike entered its 5th day and 3rd school day. Union members returned to the picket line from 6:30 am to 10:30 am.
=== October 22nd ===
On October 22nd, 2019, the strike entered its 6th day and 4th school day. Union members picketed from 6:30 am to 10:30 am
== Reactions ==
=== Chicago Public Schools: ===
* On October 4th 2019, Chicago Public Schools released a contingency plan in the event of a work stoppage to provide CPS students with access to school buildings and meals. <ref></ref>
* On October 16th, 2019, Chicago Public Schools cancels classes hours ahead of the CTU house of delegates meeting as a result of the expected strike between CPS and the CTU and SEIU Local 73. <ref></ref>
* On October 17th, 2019, Chicago Public Schools cancels classes for Friday October 18th when the district is unable to reach an agreement with the CTU and SEIU Local 73. <ref></ref>
* On October 20th, 2019, Chicago Public Schools announced that classes on Monday October 21st were cancelled after neither union was able to reach an agreement with the district. <ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* On October 21st, 2019, Chicago Public Schools cancelled classes for Tuesday October 22nd.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
* On October 22nd, 2019, Chicago Public Schools cancelled classes for Wednesday October 23rd. <ref></ref>
* On October 23rd, 2019, Chicago Public Schools cancelled classes for Thursday October 24th due to the on-going strike of the CTU and SEIU Local 73.<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
=== Chicago Teachers Union: ===
=== Lori Lightfoot: ===
=== SEIU Local 73: ===
=== Public Reaction: ===
== References ==
<references />
October 25, 2019 at 04:52AM
