Teachers in the nation's third-largest school district are casting ballots on whether they support a strike. Members of the Chicago Teachers Union began voting for a strike authorization today. Voting lasts through Friday. Union officials say the results won't be available right away.
The union needs 75% support, which is expected. A similar vote in December garnered support from roughly 88% of the voting members. Union members say the second vote offers legal cover.
If the union goes on strike, they have to give the district 10 days of notice. The earliest a walkout could take place is mid-October.The contract expired in June 2015. Negotiations with Chicago Public Schools officials have focused on cost-of-living raises, pension contributions and health care. The union represents over 25,000 members.
