CTU and the Day of Action
On April 1, 2016 the Chicago Teacher's Union organized a Day of Action with an all-day protest that culminated with a rally at the Thompson Center. All classes were canceled for the school district as teachers and aids walked off their jobs. The walk out was directed at Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and Chicago Mayor Rahmbo to provide adequate funding for public schools and agencies.
Mr. Forrest Claypool, CPS Board President is filing a charge of illegal labor action against the CTU with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, one that is stacked by anti-union Bruce Rauner. But the action was taken in response to the many illegal contract changes taken against teachers by CPS. Almost at will CPS and Rahmbo changes conrtact terms to meet their needs; such as denying negotiated raises and pension pick-up provisions. It is always interesting how indignant CPS, Rahmbo and Rauner become when the same tactic they use is reversed and used on them. Welcome to a dose of your own medicine.
Of course crocodile tears were shed for the children by the administration. "While I believe there is a legitimate point to be made, it should be not taken at the expense of our children and their education," said Mayor Rahmbo. I guess he forgot that Chicago teachers were required to take three furlough days this semester, 'to cut costs'. No one cried then for the effect on students as schools were closed for three days.
The day of action attracted participation from many different unions both locally and nationally. Ms. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, said Gov. Rauner has reckless disregard for the state's public schools. Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke at the rally said, "This school will not be closed. The Governor will go, but Chicago State will stay."
The following pictures were taken at the rally and march through the Loop. No spirits were diminished by the rain and cold weather.
Mr. Forrest Claypool, CPS Board President is filing a charge of illegal labor action against the CTU with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, one that is stacked by anti-union Bruce Rauner. But the action was taken in response to the many illegal contract changes taken against teachers by CPS. Almost at will CPS and Rahmbo changes conrtact terms to meet their needs; such as denying negotiated raises and pension pick-up provisions. It is always interesting how indignant CPS, Rahmbo and Rauner become when the same tactic they use is reversed and used on them. Welcome to a dose of your own medicine.
Of course crocodile tears were shed for the children by the administration. "While I believe there is a legitimate point to be made, it should be not taken at the expense of our children and their education," said Mayor Rahmbo. I guess he forgot that Chicago teachers were required to take three furlough days this semester, 'to cut costs'. No one cried then for the effect on students as schools were closed for three days.
The day of action attracted participation from many different unions both locally and nationally. Ms. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, said Gov. Rauner has reckless disregard for the state's public schools. Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke at the rally said, "This school will not be closed. The Governor will go, but Chicago State will stay."
The following pictures were taken at the rally and march through the Loop. No spirits were diminished by the rain and cold weather.