School Year Just Begun, Teachers Strike Looms in Chicago
Source: NY Times
With the possibility looming for a strike beginning on Monday across Chicago’s public schools, contract talks for city teachers were expected to stretch into the weekend, as hundreds of thousands of families began grappling with the prospect that school, only a few days old for many students, may come to an abrupt halt.
A strike in this, the nation’s third-largest public school system, last occurred a quarter-century ago, and seemingly all involved — union members, city leaders and, perhaps most of all, Chicago parents — said they hoped such an outcome could still be avoided. At points on Friday, those on both sides of the contract negotiations expressed tempered optimism about progress in the closed-door discussions. Still, the two sides were wrestling with an array of matters regarding wages, teacher evaluations and future jobs for laid-off teachers.
“I want the kids of the city of Chicago to stay in the classroom,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in an interview on Friday evening. “And the adults should stay in the negotiating room. And that’s where everybody belongs.”
A strike would leave some 350,000 students without classes, sports or college test preparation, and many parents without child care. Chicago Public Schools officials have announced a contingency plan, which would include half-days of supervised activities and meals at 144 schools around the city, but some parents said they were uncertain about their options and anxious about what Monday may bring.
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/08/us/teachers-union-strike-looms-in-chicago.html
The city and union had better resolve this ASAP or else s**t will happen. A strike would burst open a gigantic can of worms. For instance, I would imagine a group like Karl Rove's American Crossroads having a WONDERFUL ad opportunity given: President Obama is from Chicago, his former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel is now the mayor of Chicago, and the Chicago political machine has a nasty reputation with the rest of America. The ad would basically blame Emanuel for not doing enough to avert the strike and then ask: "Do you want another four years of Chicago-style politics?" something like that. And if you're more creative, you gotta wonder if a Romney supporter infiltrated the union and intentionally wants to cause a teachers' strike as an attempt to manufacture an instance to associate Obama with corrupt Chicago politics.
And of course, imagine how 100,000's of kids' lives in Chicago would be affected, especially if they're from poorer, crime-infested neighborhoods like the South Side.
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AnneD
(15,774 posts)"a strike would leave many parent without childcare."
Education cuts have left teachers with overcrowded classes, and test preparation and benchmark testing has reduced both the quality and substance of what is being taught. Teacher feel that they have been reduced to baby sitters. The children are being cheated out of their education.
Teachers are so denigrated by politicians, media, and by RW conservatives. The talk in our break room (not in Chicago) is that Obama has betrayed teachers by appointed a numbskull like Duncan that knows diddly squat about teaching and only promotes vouchers which takes additional money from education. All teachers are getting is lip service and chump change. And after a lifetime of sacrifice, their meager pensions are now under attack. Many of the teachers still support Obama (because they know it will be worse under Romney), but they are tired of being the whipping boys.
Fuddnik
(8,846 posts)Teachers were considered as dedicated, self-sacrificing heroes?
Then the became political footballs. Greedy, overpaid, self-interested villains? You'd think that with their huge salaries and golden parachutes, they were 1%ers.
Fuck Rove, Duncan, and Emmanuel. Pay the fucking people already.
Vidar
(18,335 posts)erodriguez
(911 posts)The striking teachers aren't being duped by some right wing conspiracy. They are fighting for their livelihood and profession. The plain fact is President Obama's policies have been a nightmare for teachers.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Although the states get funding $ from the national government,
Obama can't raise Chicago teacher's wages, negotiate with their union, or anything like that.
Is that not how it works? It's the state of Illinois that your beef is with.
AnneD
(15,774 posts)That Obama can't pick up the phone and make a few phone calls to Rham and a few of his ex collegues and put some pressure on the folks to resolve this. Presidents have been involved in strikes in the past, and not just with federal strikes.
OnlinePoker
(6,127 posts)He sent his daughters to private schools in Chicago and DC and, I seem to recall, Raum Emanuel's kids are going to the same private school in Chicago. When you don't have any stake in the game, you can sit back and let the other players fight it out.
milwaukeelib33
(140 posts)about the support the union movement has these days, doesn't it?
Most of my local elected officials in a very blue area send their kids to private schools as well. Step back and ask yourself, who is supporting unions anymore? And I'm not talking about just paying lip service. It's no wonder they're in the state they're in.
Not just teachers and public employees, let's not forget the auto workers too. Sad.
lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)milwaukeelib33
(140 posts)sulphurdunn
(6,891 posts)on a national level by corporate privatization forces and both political parties. At stake is not only the "public" in public education but where the $600 billion we spend on it every year goes, and to whom.
erodriguez
(911 posts)You need to educate yourself.
milwaukeelib33
(140 posts)Large sums of money are sent to from the state level to the various school districts and those funds are being pinched as state finances struggle. That puts pressure on the local schools and cities to make up those funds, or cut, or a combination of the two.
What is needed is increased revenue. Demonizing the workers and forcing them to shoulder the burden, while seemingly the trendy thing to do these days(see WI, CA, CT), it isn't the fair thing to do.
Chicago already has pretty high taxes as it is and it might be too burdensome for the residents to have to pay more. Gov Quinn raised some taxes last year and should consider another round of increases. Another revenue source could be the corporations. Illinois, and in particular the Chicagoland area, are home to many, many corporate headquarters. See to it that they're paying their fair share.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)in his state. Maybe this public workers' union thing has gotten out of hand."
Fair or not, I guarantee you that will cross a lot of minds. And that will possibly begin the downfall of govt unions in Illinois.
Maybe the unhappiness among the teacher's union in Chicago is warranted. But we are coming out of a deep, deep recession, where millions lost their jobs, lots of businesses went out of business, and federal and state funds bank accounts have run dry. Everyone will be experiencing decreases in pay and benefits. I have, friends I know have, everyone has. Teachers will, too. Maybe they have taken pay cuts already, so that's why they're unhappy? Maybe so.
Just sayin'. That is one reason that unions have taken such a hit in recent years. AA workers went on strike after 9/11, when airlines' business went way down because lots of people quit flying. And here in my city, AT&T union workers were picketing downtown and talking strike in the midst of the recession a few years ago. I was aghast when I saw that: hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs every month, companies folding, even the AT&T CEO had not taken his bonus or something that year. And AT&T workers were picketing because they were being asked to contribute, in their retirement package, to the cost of their health insurance that they get in their retirement years. Not pay in full, but contribute. It doesn't look good, other people resent it, and it affects the public perception of unions.
milwaukeelib33
(140 posts)I am extremely torn on the issue, and as difficult as it is to say, I think there is merit to what you say. Wrongfully, decades of demonizing unions has devastated their image, to the point now as you suggest that a strike of this magnitude at this critical time could cause irreparable damage to them.
But, OTOH I think the unions see it as at some point they HAVE to make a stand, lest they become so stripped of influence and shrunken so small to the point of irrelevancy. From their perspective they must be figuring- this is Chicago, home of Debs and the Wobblies- if labor gets rolled here...
It's a very tough call on their part and the stakes are high.
One thing I want to address about the OP and direction this thread is heading- We're dealing with real, working people here that have bargained for what they have coming to them. I can appreciate somewhat the implications a strike could have nationally and in Nov., but IMO, first and foremost, we should stand with whatever these workers chose to do. If they feel they've been wronged or aren't getting a fair shake they have a right to take action, and shouldn't face criticism from our side just for the sake of optics heading into the Pres election.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)one of the effects of a strike at this time. It's not even political. It's what many in the general public will think about unions, if this happens at the end of a recession, while millions are still suffering. This is part of what happened in Wisconsin. When it came time to defend unions, the general public was a mixed bag, many having the perception of unions as greedy, unwilling to sacrifice even in hard times.
I have no horse in this race. I aknowledge that the teachers have a right to do whatever they have to do, and are maybe warranted for their complaints (I don't know enough of the details of what they're complaining about...and neither will the general public; details of union contracts are rarely printed). I'm just pointing out what I see as a fact. There are consequences to actions. If it's worth it to them to lose supporters among the general population, then it's worth it. And it might be. But nationwide, all unions may lose supporters if the teachers in Chicago go on strike. At this time, when unions are being abolished, it may not be the best time to do this sort of thing, if they care about the long term effects.
I have a sister who is a teacher. In her state, the teachers and education system are being attacked and are in trouble. I highly regard teachers and am on their side. As I said, I'm just pointing out a consideration that some teachers might want to take into consideration, if they want to win the war and not just the battle.
milwaukeelib33
(140 posts)I would hope they recognize the obvious current climate that exists and they keep WI in mind. And, while I would support them if they choose to strike in spite of said climate, I would expect them to do their best to keep it clean to avoid more erosion of public support.
For example, if the strike occurs the school district has a plan in place to open select schools to provide 1/2 day of childcare, meals, and activities. The union is threatening to picket those school sites and are against this- NOT A GOOD IDEA for keeping good public relations. As was stated up-thread, there is much poverty in the city and working families that depend on school to be open so they can get to their jobs. To boot, some of these kids' only meals come from the schools.
Striking to win their battle is one thing, acting in a politically unpopular fashion during a tense time in history that could not only lose them their war, but wars being fought on other fronts is another.
The more I think this through there is a lot to lose on this. It is such a high profile union in the third largest city. Fingers crossed.
Fuddnik
(8,846 posts)"Just pay a little towards their health insurance and pension". They ALREADY paid for that in previous contracts. It was all a part of a wage package. They traded higher wages for pensions and insurance.
Maybe the shareholders could do with a penny less in dividends per share. Or corporations should start paying their share of taxes.
Poor widdle CEO didn't take his bonus that year. The prick's overpaid as it is.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)The unions need public support. It's a bad visual for people to be picketing or striking to get or keep something, in the midst of a deep recession with millions losing their jobs and their homes. It causes resentment and feeds the perception that unions are greedy.
What you say is true. But what I say is true, also, IMO.
No skin off my nose. I'm just pointing out that a victory for the short term in some cases leads to a loss in the long term.
(BTW...shareholders did take big hits on dividends and share value during the recession. Companies were taking huge losses, generally, as well. Everyone was suffering. Except some union workers, who continued, and expected to continue, along as if there was no storm of a recession around them.)
AnneD
(15,774 posts)Oh please spare me. You waz robbed. I have always maintained a 401 k and 403 b to supplement my pension. The only reason I haven't lost my shirt is that I take an active role in managing them and have refused to use it as my sole means of retirement income. It was never designed for that.
However, after years of paying close attention to the shenanigans on Wall Street, repeal of Glass Stegal, and the advent of high frequenty trading, I have come to the conclusion that stocks are nothing more than a Ponzi scheme and shell game. If you think your investment will save you in retirement, you have my sympathy and best wishes. Educate yourself quickly.
AnneD
(15,774 posts)Union membership has steadily declined with public sectors, while declining, still having membership. Breaking the public employees union is a planned part of destroying any ability for workers to stand up for their rights. This has been the goal of corperate America since Reagan took on PATCO.
Public sector workers earn less for the same type of work done in the private sector. Many schools had opted out of the social security years ago, so all teachers have is what the state has contributed (through negotiation) and what they have contributed from their own pocket. And on top of that, because of laws passed, some of these same teacher (usually female) cannot even get survivors benefits from their husband's social security. Yeah, how many of the public know that little gem. And in some states, like Illinois, the state government has routinely raided or underfunded their pension obligations to the teachers. I would not want to rely on a pension from Illinois.
Think joblessness is bad....try being a poorly paid educated professional and after a lifetime of work and sacrifice, be kicked to the curb with nothing, not even a safety net. And they want you to sacrifice what little you have to make up for their stupid, spineless planning.
Every one wants the kids to be educated but no one wants to pay for it.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)There is a perception out there in the general population that unions have gotten greedy and are unwilling to sacrifice. That's what I hear from people, read in the news. We also saw it when they were under attack in WI.
What the general public usu. hears about unions is when they protest or go on strike, often for benefits that most other workers don't have and will never have. So although some understand it's a contract, in exchange for decreased wages, to some, it APPEARS selfish and greedy.
Perception means a lot. If they go forward with a protest or strike, I hope they take the time to put out some sort of PR to get the public on their side, to negate those in the public that will turn against unions generally, even in other states. It's a tricky situation. I don't have the answer. I was just pointing out what will likely be one of the consequences, in the current climate.
But I support unions. They help us all. Sometimes, though, I think that union workers don't realize how good they've got it. Some, like my brother, have never worked any significant time at a non-union job. When I changed jobs recently, I quit my job and got another. My brother asked me, why didn't you tell them you're retiring, instead of quitting? I asked him, "Why would I do that?" He responds, "For the retirement benefits." HAHAHAHA. My response (which any non-union worker knows would be) was, "What retirement benefits?" He actually didn't realize that most people in the country do not get retirement benefits from their employers. He got a pension (in addn to his 401k, which his co. contributed to), ins. benefits incl. dental, vision benefits, and other stuff. He also got paid fairly high wages. He had no idea how good he had it. So you can see why people would have not thought highly if his union had protested or gone on strike for, say, having to contribute to his ins. during retirement, and that would've been reflected in their opinions of unions in general.
AnneD
(15,774 posts)Instead of me going to the state and national legislatures and lobbying (done that), and instead of me writing letters to the editor pointing out something as trivial as the facts (done that) why don't you put your excellent typing skills to work in support of workers wanting what's right and fair. Envious of union wages, then do the work and organize instead of throwing stones from the sidelines. This divisiveness is just what union buster want. It is no coincidence that wages have dropped as union membership has declined. I know the cost of living has not gone down to match my actual wages.
You seemed to have missed a major point in the argument. I get retirement benefits because I will get no Social Security. And unless I missed something in your reply you will get social security. I have a 403 b that I alone contribute to....no matching. I contribute to the teachers retirement system and the state contributes, but they have no been fully funding it for some time now. They gave me a 2% cost of living raise and then charged me more for my insurance.....totally wiping out the raise and actually decreasing my take home pay.
And wages....I make 25-30% less by working in the schools rather than the private sector. And this has been over a 20 year period. I know this is an accurate number because I am a Nurse. There were many reason I chose school nursing over hospital nursing and I did supplemental work throughout the years. I came into the school system with enough quarters to qualify for Social Security that I will never get. I think the state got a good deal.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)I am not stating that I will be against unions if the teachers strike. I merely pointed out what WILL happen. It will have a bad effect on what the general public thinks of unions.
Perception and public opinion matter is all I'm saying. If it's worth losing some of the general public in order to win a particular battle, that's a call for that teacher's union to make. But lose some of the general public's support they WILL. And that has nothing to do with ME.
forthemiddle
(1,459 posts)Perception, Perception, Perception.
Teachers reputations in Wisconsin took a HUGE hit this past year. Once that idea takes hold (via the Walker campaign ads, etc) it will be a while before it turns around. Walkers recall attempt set public unions back badly.
Good luck to Chicago teachers, maybe the public will see their fight differently than they did here in Wisconsin.
Posteritatis
(18,807 posts)AnneD
(15,774 posts)These days, and the longer I walk this world, I find myself supporting unions and strikes, NO MATTER WHAT. It takes a spine to stand up for your rights in this climate nowdays especially and the more people that do it the better off we will all be. I will gladly suffer some inconvenience for justice.
Posteritatis
(18,807 posts)I'm carless and had the joy of dealing with a two month public transit strike in the middle of winter this year; I thought the union was in the right on most (not necessarily all) of their grievances and just sucked it up until things were resolved. The outrage aimed at them was staggering; hell, there was enough aimed at me for merely being a bus passenger. The whole thing was ridiculous, but I was glad they stuck to their guns until the situation was more or less resolved.
sulphurdunn
(6,891 posts)used by conservatives to justify every social injustice the people of this country have suffered in the name of free enterprise. It goes something like this: "Yes, it's unfortunate you're getting screwed, but times are tough, and we all need to tighten our belts, and besides, it wouldn't be right for you to get something you deserve, if someone else doesn't, and there just isn't enough to go around and..." This apology is called divide and conquer. It's the oldest class warfare strategy in the book and is always used by the super rich against everyone else.
When asked why he robbed banks, John Dillinger is reputed to have replied: "because that's where the money is."
In this country, the wealthiest 400 Americans are worth more than the poorest 150 million Americans combined and pay effective tax rates of less than half what most of them pay while their wealth increases at an average 30% annually. Billions of dollars in income from the these people and the rest of the wealthiest 0.01% is hidden away in foreign tax shelter and avoidance schemes and goes unpaid because of loopholes. The corporations they control squat on trillions in cash assets or hold taxable profits offshore to avoid paying American taxes, and-on-and-on it goes.
All the wealthiest nation in history needs do to solve its economic woes is go to the bank and withdraw some it's tax avoidance schemes, reimpose a real progressive income tax on upper incomes and resurrect the Glass–Steagall Act. It isn't even as if we even need to get creative about it. We've done it before, and it works.
socialist_n_TN
(11,481 posts)Ain't that the truth. There's no money for teachers or the rest of us because times are so tough. FUCK that! Times are tough because the DISTRIBUTION of wealth is all screwed up. There's plenty of wealth out there, but we can't get at it because it's in "private" hands.
And yes, they ALWAYS use the excuse of "tough times" to excuse the depredations of the system itself.
http://www.workerspower.net/chicago-teachers-stand-united-and-ready-to-strike. Something from Worker's Power on the Chicago teachers situation.
alcibiades_mystery
(36,437 posts)I support the Chicago Teachers Union, and a strike if necessary, even if it causes a short term pain in the ass for me.
I don't give a good goddamn what the ad potential for Karl Rove might be. What's at stake is the quality of our teachers and our children's education in the City of Chicago. Maybe this is a silly little national political parlor game for YOU, but for some of us it is the teachers, and communities, and CHILDREN we love that are at stake.
AnneD
(15,774 posts)Teachers striking is akin to Nurses striking. It is against our nature, but when the situation becomes so desperate and no one in charge seems to be listening, it is the only way to get folks attention.
I hope it is averted but I thank you for standing with educators.
Fuddnik
(8,846 posts)AnneD
(15,774 posts)The pot calling the kettle black. Do you kids know you are out putting your hands in the crazy.....I thought not.
sulphurdunn
(6,891 posts)Work 7 days a week with no benefits, can't afford health insurance and barely make enough to pay federal income taxes, and still barely have enough to live on, and I sure don't want the govmint givin' any of my hard earned money to some lazy hippie who's unwilling to bust his ass 60 hours a week for nothin'. 
AnneD
(15,774 posts)How uniquely American. People bitching about being jobless. Why hell you found three. Aren't you lucky. 
senseandsensibility
(24,978 posts)I'm sure your childrens' teachers appreciate your support. Yes, the childcare issue is serious, but it that is why it is the teachers' ultimate bargaining chip. They know it, and will only use it if they have no recourse, and after literally years of being dumped on. To not use it after that is basically to surrender. Parents who care about public education and unions should support them. If everyone is united the strike will be short-lived.
ancianita
(43,307 posts)I got a question for you. What did people do for the first four years that their children didn't get teachers' "child care", hm? Maybe THAT's their recourse. News Flash: teachers KNOW that they don't need to become professionalized to do child care. So, no. It's not their ultimate bargaining chip. 
senseandsensibility
(24,978 posts)However, the fact is that they do provide this service IN ADDITION to educating the children. It is a testament to the difficulty of their job that they are essentially doing two ( maybe three,four, five) jobs at once. The point that I was making is that the childcare element is the part of the teachers' job that will be felt immediately by the community and parents. Do I think it's the most important part of a teacher's job? Of course not.
Starry Messenger
(32,381 posts)Rahm Emmanuel's image is his own problem. If he wants to limit any potential damage to national politics, the power is all in his hands. He started this thing.
midnight
(26,624 posts)our teachers to teach under.... I was reading this:
Midnight Deadline Looms: Chicago Teachers Strike Imminent
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/09/09-1
So many layers of conquer and divide for our work forces throughout the country, and we need to remember this and respect those who work to make our lives better....
Stuart G
(38,726 posts)Pay has barely if at all kept up with inflation.. The union has given in almost all the time, on almost all demands.
Hell...what is a union for???
Emanuel has been responsible for the inrods of many "charter schools" read as non union. Sadly...
Rove would have a field day...after all Chicago is where MR "O" comes from..Perhaps a deal till after the election???
like a six month extension..???I recall Emanuel used to work for MR. Obama... didn't he???.....................
oh I might add it was a thankless job...high school..27 and one half years..some very very hard times I might add....now retired..
AnneD
(15,774 posts)That many teachers are behind you. We are forbidden to strike here in Texas. It is so punitive and draconian. But what we did do last year was pack a normally dull board meeting with hundreds of teachers. This was despite the freezing temp and rain. The board still remembers that night. The overflow room was so loud and raucous that you could hear us through the walls. Sound was muffled a bit but you knew who was getting booed.
Thank you for your personal sacrifice. Enjoy a well earned retirement. Many of us that are close to the retirement point are going out early. It just isn't fun anymore. They have killed the joy of learning. The pay was never that great, but at least you loved what you did. Now, there is not even that.
harmonicon
(12,008 posts)to win elections! Those dastardly union members!!