Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she wants equity and justice in the city’s public schools, but her school board refuses to reach an agreement with the members of the Chicago Teachers Union (Local 1) after nearly 10 months of bargaining. That's why the more than 26,000 members of the CTU have been forced to the picket lines today in their fight for the schools Chicago students deserve.
It’s time for the mayor to put her promises in writing! The teachers and other education professionals who serve more than 400,000 students in the nation's third largest school district do not take this strike lightly, but they take their students’ educational needs very seriously. They are fighting for smaller class sizes, more nurses, counselors, social workers, and other essential staff, and critical resources to help students learn and educators teach. Read more about what they’re fighting for here. CTU members need your support to secure a fair settlement that is right for kids, schools, and union members! Here's how you can help:
Email the mayor
Mayor Lightfoot claims to want the same things for students that teachers and school staff do. Tell her it's time to prove it by negotiating a fair contract that puts her promises in writing. Click here to send her the message!
Rally and picket
TODAY (10/17) at 1:30 p.m., supporters should rally at the Chicago Board of Education offices to demonstrate their solidarity with CTU! The rally will be followed by a march at 2:30 p.m. (Watch for details about future rallies throughout the strike). If you are in the area, you can join the picket lines too! Picketing will take place at all Chicago Public Schools from at 6:30 - 10:30 a.m. daily. Find a school near you here, and print this sign to bring along.
Send messages of support
Submit words of encouragement, photos, and video messages to show CTU members, elected officials, and the public that you stand proudly with the CTU in their struggle for education justice. Send text, a link, or an attachment to Leadership@ctulocal1.org.
Spread the word
Post messages, photos, and videos of support on social media. Be sure to use the hashtags #PutItInWriting and #FairContractNow and tag @CTULocal1.
Stay informed
Stay up-to-date with the latest strike news and ways you can help on the
IFT website, CTU website, CTU Facebook page, and CTU on Twitter.