Chicago is in the middle of a deep rooted battle with the Chicago Board of Education. We have been told the world is watching our movement and taking notes on what we have been doing. We have a very strong and powerful union that has risen from the rank and file. The BOE and state of Illinois have been using funds from outside of the state to pass laws to try to make it impossible to strike and to pass laws about what we can and can't bargain for. We have powerfully stood up for ourselves by: Rallying downtown with 10,000 people. They passed a law that 75% of our membership needed to vote for a strike- (not 75% of voters) we voted overwhelmingly yes- with over 23,000 yes votes and under 500 no votes. Our union gave the needed 10 day strike notice last week and we will walk out on September 10th if negotiations are still not going well. Many of the educational policies that are happening across the country started here with Arne Duncan and now we are pushing back. Stand in solidarity with us and we will stand in solidarity with you.
Although our district is much smaller that Chicago we too are headed for a strike soon. I'll be surprised if we make it through the school year. Good luck.
I will be wearing red with you! I now work in the suburbs but I'm a former CPS teacher and I still can't stop referring to us as "we" when I talk about CTU! Stay strong!
We have issues of our own in this state, but we can't strike. However, I will wear red to support you!
http://www.teachersolidarity.com/blog/ In the middle of this page you will find Matt Farmer's speech from our rally. He was awesome. We have a big rally planned for tomorrow in conjunction with many other unions!
All of their press releases are on ctunet.com. I need to read up on that issue. CPS is not involved in the TRS pension system, we have our own CTPF. I know that the board of Ed of the city of Chicago was downgraded when they announced they were going to wipe out the reserves to balance the budget.
WOOT! I'll actually be wearing red on Thursday... we're protesting a proposed pay cut. I need to get another red shirt for Wednesday!
:thumb:GO CHICAGO TEACHERS!:thumb: Wisconsin teachers have lost a big battle but continue fighting. Hang in there from WISCONSIN!
Thanks to everyone who has supported us thus far. Unless there is a miracle today or tomorrow, we will be on strike. Wear your red for us! Thanks
Good luck! After what Ohio went through to vote down Senate Bill 5, I really feel your pain. Red all the way!
My favorite red sweater is on today! I may not be unionized, but I support those who are, because you speak for ALL teachers.
Thanks to everyone. We had a successful day of picketing and rallying. We shut down downtown tonight. Looks like we continue tomorrow.
I'm sorry, but I'm wearing something pretty somber tomorrow-- Navy and white. I appreciate your struggle, but I'm not wearing red on 9/11, since it's not a color I would wear to a memorial service or a wake.
