CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard Says Strike Vote was Rushed

Photo by Bartosz Brzezinski via flickr

CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard said he’s disappointed at the Chicago Teachers Union leadership for rushing their members to vote for a strike before giving them the opportunity to consider the independent fact finder’s compromise report due in July.

“The CTU leadership left the teachers with a choice between a strike and nothing — that’s a false choice. As a former teacher, I am disappointed that union leadership would rush their members to vote for a strike before having the complete information on the table,” said Brizard in a statement issued this morning.

Last week, CTU members voted to authorize a strike. Union spokeswoman Stephanie Gadlin, told WBEZ the vote “well surpassed” the 75 percent approval required by the state law. The vote, union leaders say, gives teachers the legal authority to call a strike in the fall and gives them more pull at the bargaining table.

“We want the mayor and Board to know we have the support of all of our members at the bargaining table and we will use the full weight of our power to ensure we get a strong contract for our members and our students,” said CTU president Karen Lewis in a press statement. “Strikes aren’t good for anyone and if the Board is wise it will work with us to do what’s in the best interest of our public schools.”

Currently, the CTU is bargaining the union’s contract, which expires June 30. Issues include raises, compensation for longer school days, and the introduction of merit pay.

The last Chicago teachers’ strike was in 1987 and lasted 19 days. The earliest teachers could strike this year, according to the Chicago Tribune, would be Aug. 17, weeks before CPS classes being in September.

CTU officials will hold a press conference this afternoon to announce the exact number of authorization votes it received.