CPS Wants Teachers Union to Pay for Friday’s Strike

By Nick Gale, WLS News

(CHICAGO) Chicago Public Schools is going after the Chicago Teacher’s Union for Friday’s one-day strike.

CPS CEO Forrest Claypool says CPS has filed a complaint with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. He says they are looking for two things.

First, to make sure a wildcat strike of this nature doesn’t happen again while they are in labor negotiations and second, they are seeking reimbursement.

“We are asking that the Chicago Teacher’s Union reimburse Chicago Public Schools and out partners for the expenses incurred [Friday] as well as any other sanctions that the board feels is appropriate for this type of lawbreaking,” Claypool said.

Asked if CPS’ actions in filing with the board further antagonizes the teachers union, Claypool said someone must be held accountable.

“Lawbreaking can not go unchecked. There has to be accountability for blatantly breaking the law.”

The CTU argues the strike wasn’t illegal and says they must raise public awareness about the lack of state funding for schools. They also point out that union members have been working without a contract since June.

Friday’s strike disrupted class for some 400,000 students.

@ 2016 WLS News

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