Chicago, Illinois— AFT President Randi Weingarten joined Illinois Federation of Teachers on picket lines on October 17th as Chicago educators walked off the job.
Union members walked out on October 17th after negotiations with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot broke down.
CTU represents more than 25,000 teachers and educational support personnel working in Chicago Public Schools. There are nearly 400,000 students in the system. The union authorized a strike last month by 94 percent. Members of the Service Employees International Union, Local 73, who also work in Chicago Public Schools, are also on strike.
“Educators in Chicago want the same thing educators who have walked off the job all across this country want: the resources to give their students what they need,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.
“Every student in this city—in this country—deserves a quality public school. So while Chicago’s teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school staff would rather be in school than be on strike, they are ready to fight for their students’ future. And the AFT’s 1.7 million members, along with parents, the community and other allies, are right here with them in this fight for great public schools and a better life for our families,” said Weingarten.
