Chicago Teachers Union & grassroots organizers demand fair wages and additional resources

Chicago Teacher’s Union supports rally in preparation for an impending strike on Thursday.

Photos by Tessine Murji

 
alt text By Tessine Murji, Reporter, The Real Chi
 
 

Hundreds gathered at the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple in support of the impending Chicago Teachers Union’s strike on Monday preceding a march downtown.

As the potential teacher’s strike draws one day closer, Chicago Public School teachers, students, union members, and grassroots organizers aired their grievances toward Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the urgent needs of the city’s public school system. Many notable figures were in attendance, including Nina Turner, national Co-Chair of the Bernie Sanders campaign.

Dian Palmer, SEIU Local 73 president, expressed her solidarity during the rally with the teachers intending to strike. She said, “We walk alongside those going on strike with dignity and respect. We must stand hand in hand.”

A variety of speakers addressed the lack of resources the city’s public schools suffer from.

The CTU and SEIU Local 73 are meeting with CPS representatives today to continue bargaining for a new contract. If they don’t successfully negotiate one, teachers will strike Thursday.