Today marks the second day of the Chicago teachers protest.
Chicago teachers voice out their concerns
Last Thursday, some 25,000 Chicago teachers started a protest concerning their poor welfare from state-provided benefits. Around 300,000 students from different schools were affected during the protest which is expected to last till the weekends.
We understand the hard part on the parents. But it’s a short term protest only in exchange for what we see as a long-term impact to educational justice in this city.
-Jess Sharkey, President of The Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago teachers are asking the government for smaller class sizes, additional support staff, salary increase, and additional school budgets. The teachers union had a bargaining team to voice out the side of Chicago teachers during a 10-hour discussion last Thursday.
In addition to the concerns of the teachers, the union also adds several school concerns like additional librarians, counselors, social workers, and medical staff.
Series of unrest among universities
The same scenario happened at The University of Oregon where around 5000 workers planned a walkout due to worker rights concerns.
Some noted sentiments from the teachers part of the strike:
I earn less than $30,000 a year for the past 5 years I have been a teacher. There are times that I have to take an extra job at Walmart to add up to my monthly budget. I have a family of four that I have to provide for.
-Willie Cousins, Assistant teacher
Students deserve a smaller class size. We need nurses and social workers. Students deserve billingual educators.
-Linda Perales, Special Education teacher
Chicago’s generous offer
Chicago’s Board of Education responded to the bargaining team with a counteroffer to their demands.
- 16% salary increase for all employees
- An additional $400,000 per year budget intended for hiring medical staff, counselors, and social workers.
- $1 million budget for reducing class size on fourth to twelveth grade levels.
We have tried to provide the best deal that’s fiscally responsible, which is fair for both teachers and tax payers. Without question, this is the best deal we can offer to them.
-Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Chicago
