Striking Chicago Teachers: Kids Are More than a Test Score
With union delegates scheduled to meet Friday afternoon, a settlement may be near in the Chicago teachers’ strike. What will teachers look for? Winning a fair evaluation system has emerged as a top priority.
Chicago Teachers Win Relief in Longer Day Battle, but War Not Over
The Chicago Teachers Union won a major victory yesterday when the city halted its plans to increase teacher work hours.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago school board announced in April that they were unilaterally increasing the school day by 20 percent in the fall—without increasing teaching staff or providing proportional compensation for the additional hours.
Chicago teachers already work an average of 58 hours a week, according to a recent report. Under Illinois labor law, the board is not required to negotiate with teachers over work hours.
AFSCME Challenger Alice Goff on Politicians, Concessions, and Defending Public Workers
AFSCME delegates will vote Thursday at their convention in Los Angeles for a new president to replace 30-year incumbent Gerry McEntee. Labor Notes interviewed Alice Goff, who is running for secretary-treasurer on a ticket that challenges incumbent Secretary-Treasurer and McEntee favorite Lee Saunders, about how her slate would make a difference for AFSCME members.