Chicago Public Schools Head Toward Another Teachers Strike

Crain's Chicago Business reports:

There still is no word from those at the bargaining table, but if I had a kid in Chicago Public Schools I'd be making alternate day care arrangements for tomorrow.

Negotiators from CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union met over the weekend and were still meeting this afternoon in a last-ditch effort to avoid a strike, the second in four years. Those talks likely will continue into the night, but CTU has said that if it doesn't have a deal by tonight, picket lines will be in place at 6 a.m. tomorrow.

As has been the case for a while, a contract deal remains within reach. But reaching an agreement will require either CTU backing off on some of its financial demands or Mayor Rahm Emanuel spending some money that cash-strapped CPS really doesn't have.

CPS has been offering other, nonfinancial concessions, I'm told. But one insider says CTU has begun directing its teachers to come and pick up picket signs and related paraphernalia.

CTU wants the district to continue to pick up the 7 percent of salary for pensions that CPS wants teachers to start paying. The union also has been pressing for roughly $200 million in new funds for more librarians, counselors and other personnel. The union argues it already has had to give back in the past—for instance, losing an annual pay hike one year.

The great moments of public education.