We have a serious problem brewing in Chicago. The teachers union will strike on September 10th. Today Karen Lewis, president of the teacher's union said "we don't want to close the schools". That is highly unlikely as they asked for a 30% raise last July when they voted to strike. Of course she came back the next day and said we don't really want that much. Negotiations are on the table and Rahm in July said he would offer a 2% pay increase. As you can see that peace will never happen unless someone concedes.
Contingency plans have been drawn up and messages sent out to the parents. One plan is for 145 schools to function for a 1/2 day schedule. Also there will be programs the parents must sign up for, but not just yet.
I have a feeling in my bones negotiations will not happen, but all things are possible.
On top of all this it is rumored Rahm wants to get rid of the CEO of Chicago Public Schools as he is not happy with him. Leaders in Chicago told Clause Brizard he will be blamed by the mayor if the schools strike. Quess Rahm has taken his lessons from the President. It's always someone else's fault. But Rahm is responsible for the situation as he refused a 4% raise and desired longer working days for the children, which has driven us to this point.
Of course Emanuel is denying all of this, spokesperson Sarah Hamilton said, "That couldn't be further from the truth, the mayor has complete confidence in J.C. Kind of feel like I'm in a Boss TV Show.
Talking to neighbors, several have said to me they believe you get a raise when you have done something. They have a point as Chicago schools are amongst the lowest scores in the country.
The strike is set for Sept. 10th and parents are crying out the most important thing is the children and their schooling. Chicago, like most large urban areas as a second problem in that the majority of parents are both working or are single parent homes and have no place to put their children should such a strike occur.
Chicago has it's problems like most large urban cities, but sometimes they seem insurmountable especially when the city is broke.
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