Today, over 30,000 Chicago teachers and support staff took to the picket lines in a massive strike. In These Times has been on the front lines of this historic labor struggle, providing in-depth coverage from the perspectives of teachers, organizers and working-class Chicagoans.
Reporter Kari Lydersen was out at the picket lines early this morning and filed this illuminating story on the walk out, Why Are Chicago Teachers Striking Against Mayor Lori Lightfoot? They’ve Been “Lied To” Before. Lydersen writes:
“At schools across the city, teachers and staff waved signs, blew whistles, chanted and cheered to a cacophony of supportive honking from morning traffic. Teachers said they’re disappointed that the administration of Mayor Lori Lightfoot has not yet followed through on campaign promises to increase school staffing, shrink class sizes, create an elected school board and otherwise bolster public education. But with the support of the public—and a whopping 94% of membership voting to strike—they are hopeful.”
In addition to Lydersen’s picket line report, In These Times has also published an op-ed from organizers Amisha Patel and Nathan Ryan on why the resolution to the strike lies in taxing the rich, as well as a story from reporter Jeff Schuhrke on how the teachers won the support of the public ahead of their dramatic labor action. And we have Rebecca Burns on the union’s novel approach of “bargaining for the common good.”
Chicago teachers are again reminding us that there is power in a union. Solidarity forever.
Why Are Chicago Teachers Striking Against Mayor Lori Lightfoot? They’ve Been “Lied To” Before.
Chicago’s streets are filled with striking teachers who are fed up with broken promises.
BY KARI LYDERSEN
How to Resolve the Chicago Teachers Strike? Tax the Rich.
Chicago isn’t broke, it’s full of insanely rich people. We should tax the hell out of them to pay for the demands of Chicago teachers.
BY AMISHA PATEL AND NATHAN RYAN
Chicago Teachers Won Public Support for Their Strike. Here’s How.
The public is more likely to side with Chicago teachers than the mayor when it comes to a strike. Community support made that happen.
BY JEFF SCHUHRKE
What’s at Stake in Chicago Teachers’ Strike: Whether Unions Can Bargain for the Entire Working Class
Ahead of a potential massive strike this week, Chicago teachers are pushing the limits of social justice unionism.
BY REBECCA BURNS
Bernie Sanders to Chicago Teachers: Worker Militancy Is Key to Fighting the Corporate Elite
Sanders is standing side by side with Chicago teachers who are on the verge of another citywide strike.
BY MILES KAMPF-LASSIN
Chicago Teachers Are Threatening To Strike Against New Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Here’s Why.
Following a wave of teacher walkouts across the country, Chicago educators could be on the verge of striking again to win better pay and resources for students.
BY KARI LYDERSEN
