Chicago Teachers Strike 25,000 Teachers In Chicago Go On Strike

Chicago teachers went on strike on Thursday after failing to reach a contract deal with the nation's third-largest school district. Some 25,000 Chicago Pubic Schools teachers went on strike Thursday after negotiators failed to agree on a contract with the nation's third-largest school district.

The strike came after the Chicago Teachers Union confirmed Wednesday night that its 25,000 members would not return to their classrooms. It follows months of negotiations between the union and Chicago Public Schools that failed to resolve disputes over pay and benefits, class size and teacher preparation time.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the school district's CEO announced Wednesday morning that Chicago Public Schools has canceled all Thursday classes and activities in anticipation of the Chicago Teachers Union moving forward with a strike.

Teachers held signs saying "speed limit 30, not a class size for young children" and "dumbledore wouldn’t let this happen." Teachers drank coffee and shared Chicago Teachers Union sweatshirts, and they cheered as buses and cars honked as they drove by.

“We want this to be a short strike with an agreement that will benefit our schools and our teachers. We have a ways to go,” Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey said during a Wednesday night union news conference. “We actually want to see improvement on all the issues we are talking about here.”

During the 2012 strike, the district kept some schools open for half days during a seven-day walkout. District officials said this time they will keep all buildings open during school hours, staffed by principals and employees who usually work in administrative roles.

Chicago educators say the district has shortchanged schools after years of budget cuts and they want all the promises in writing. The district says its offer of a 16% raise over five years is comprehensive and "historic."