Chicago Teachers Union election May 20 could affect frequency of strikes

By Mailee Smith

05/17/2022

CTU has walked out on students three times in three school years. The outcome of its upcoming leadership election pits the status quo against potential change – and could alter the political trajectory of the nation’s most militant teachers union.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, election, strike

Proviso teachers’ union rejects truce as strike keeps 4,200 students out for 8 days

By Patrick Andriesen

03/17/2022

The Proviso teachers’ union declared the strike over compensation March 4, canceling classes for the district’s 4,200 students for 8 days so far. The local school board tried to call a time-out to get students back in class, but the union refused.

TAGS: Proviso Township High School District 209, strike, teachers union

Amendment 1 would cement strikes as go-to weapon for Chicago Teachers Union

By Hannah Schmid

03/08/2022

The Chicago Teachers Union has gone on strike five times and walked out on students at least three other times since it got the right to strike in 1984. Gaining greater power through Amendment 1 would embolden militant union tactics.

TAGS: Amendment 1, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

Illinois teachers unions call strikes 48 times in 10 years

By Dylan Sharkey

03/01/2022

Illinois has seen 48 teacher strikes in 10 years. None of Illinois’ neighboring states let unions use students and their educations as bargaining chips.

TAGS: Illinois, strike, teachers union

Chicago Teachers Union president quitting after 3rd strike in 27 months

By Dylan Sharkey

02/04/2022

Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey announced he’s returning to the classroom once his term expires in June. Sharkey has led CTU since 2014 through three work stoppages.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Jesse Sharkey, strike

Quick-to-strike leaders need to be replaced, Chicago Teachers Union members say

By Patrick Andriesen

01/26/2022

The Members First Caucus said the current Chicago Teachers Union leaders see “work stoppages and strikes as the first step, and not the last one.” They want less political activism and more focus on delivering for members and students.

TAGS: COVID-19, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

Amendment 1 would come between teachers, dedication to students

01/20/2022

Amendment 1 would give Illinois teachers a permanent right to strike, taking more class time away from teachers who believe their place is with their students instead of on the picket line. Voters will decide Nov. 8.

TAGS: Amendment 1, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

Chicago Teachers Union’s illegal strike is over, but parents sue to stop next one

By Patrick Andriesen

01/14/2022

Parents of Chicago Public Schools students sued to end the “remote work action” by Chicago Teachers Union members that kept 340,000 students out of classrooms for five days. The walkout is over, but the lawsuit is continuing to prevent the next illegal strike.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, lawsuit, strike

Chicago Teachers Union uses COVID-19 to walk out on students, again

By Dylan Sharkey

01/05/2022

Chicago schools closed Jan. 5 when the Chicago Teachers Union voted to keep members out of classrooms, trying to force an end to in-person learning over COVID-19 concerns.

TAGS: COVID-19, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, remote learning, strike

Amendment 1 would give Illinois government union bosses nation’s most extreme powers

By Mailee Smith

10/22/2021

No other state constitutions guarantee unmitigated powers to government unions, and 28 state constitutions don’t even find a need to mention labor.

TAGS: Amendment 1, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Illinois, strike, unions

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students