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December 26, 2006
Chicago Teachers Union prepping for strike
There's still about six months left on the Chicago Public Schools contract, but that isn't stopping the union from loading for bear:
After two decades of labor peace in the Chicago Public Schools system, the drumbeat for a teachers strike is sounding earlier and louder than ever before.
For months, Chicago Teachers Union leaders have been warning their nearly 32,000 members to save their money for the "ultimate job action."It's still unclear whether this tough talk reflects a growing dissatisfaction among rank-and file teachers or pure politicking by a union president who is seeking re-election this spring.
What is clear is that this early strike talk is making district officials and teachers nervous as they head into contract negotiations early next year. The current four-year contract will expire on June 30, about a month after teachers and assistants elect a slate of union officers.
This sounds to me like union president Marilyn Stewart running for reelection; if she had really been trying to strike fear into the district by way of some saber-rattling, I think she would have made all the strike talk a bit more public. But then, it may have merely been reflexive on her part; as noted in the article, the Windy City has a notorious history in this category. Either way, I'd say this is a sign of bad faith on the part of the union; it really would be nice if the leadership gave at least some semblance of moderation.
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Comments
I would disagree that this is a re-election bid. This local hasn't struck in 20 years, which shows that both the union and administration on one hand have been able to work together, yet historically have fought a few battles.
How is this bad faith on the part of the union? Would you rather the President and Executive Board wait to inform the rank and file until only a month remained before a vote was to be taken? Have you read about the destructiveness the small schools reform effort is having on already oversized high schools? Arne Duncan is....not making the best decisions.
However, why should I be surprised that you're taking the side of the administration from the get-go?
Posted by: Dr. Homeslice | December 26, 2006 01:05 PM
