The 2012 Chicago teachers strike
Karen Lewis, former president of the Chicago Teachers Union, dies at 67
By Alexander Fangmann, 14 February 2021
Lewis’ death prompted an outpouring of sympathy and praise from the corporate media, fellow union officials and the Democratic Socialists of America, but a closer examination of her record tells a very different story.
Vote “No” on the CTU-CPS plan to reopen Chicago schools! Saving lives is non-negotiable!
By Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, 9 February 2021
The tentative deal Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) leaders reached over the weekend with Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials is an abject surrender that must be rejected.
Reopening schools during the pandemic is not negotiable! Lives and health are not negotiable!
Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, 4 February 2021
We call on Chicago educators to mobilize opposition to any agreement reached by CPS and the CTU to reopen schools, and to prepare for general strike action with the broader working class to close all schools and nonessential businesses.
999 Chicago teachers struggle against reopening
3 February 2021
999 Effort to force Chicago schools to reopen
1 February 2021
999 Chicago Educators R&F Committee founding statement
20 January 2021
999 Chicago schools update or r/f statement
18 January 2021
999 CTU official travels to Puerto Rico as schools open
6 January 2021
999 CTU official travels to Puerto Rico, right wing uses to push to reopen Chicago schools
5 January 2021
999 CTU defeats Sanders endorsement
14 February 2020
230 Pseudo-left and Chicago teachers
11 November 2019
230 CTU and teachers strike
15 October 2019
105 CTU and teachers
9 June 2017
230 Chicago teachers protest statement
3 February 2017
060 Chicago teachers
26 October 2016
040 Chicago teachers
7 October 2016
Defend public education
Vote “no” on St. Paul Federation of Teachers sellout contract!
By Mike Stapleton, 4 March 2014
The St. Paul Federation of Teachers contract proposal does not in the slightest manner defend the right to public education.
Striking University of Illinois at Chicago faculty and students speak out
By Kristina Betinis, 20 February 2014
The World Socialist Web Site spoke with striking faculty members and student supporters on the picket lines at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Chicago Teachers Union launches “independent” political organization
By Kristina Betinis, 20 January 2014
With the collaboration of other unions and pseudo-left organizations, the CTU has formed a new organization aimed at preventing a break with the big business political establishment.
As closures continue, Chicago expands private charter schools
By Kristina Betinis, 16 October 2013
City leaders in Chicago plan to close additional public schools while opening new private charter schools.
The betrayal of the Chicago teachers strike: One year on
By Kristina Betinis and Jerry White, 19 September 2013
The defeat of the 2012 Chicago teachers’ strike cleared the way for the acceleration of school closings, layoffs and other attacks on public education not only in Chicago but throughout the United States.
Amid cuts and closures
A new school year begins in Chicago
By Jeff Lusanne and Kristina Betinis, 27 August 2013
The 2013 school year in Chicago begins with 50 fewer schools, 3,000 fewer teachers and staff, and sharply reduced classroom funding.
Chicago Public Schools announces more than 2,100 additional layoffs
By Jeff Lusanne, 20 July 2013
On Friday, Chicago Public Schools laid of 2,113 more teachers and staff, bringing the total summer layoffs to 3,500 as the district implements the largest round of school closings in US history.
Mass layoffs begin in Chicago Public Schools
By Alexander Fangmann, 20 June 2013
On June 14, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced the first wave of layoffs—a total of 663 teachers, teaching assistants and aides—as part of the impending closure of 50 schools.
The Chicago school closings and the way forward to defend public education
By Andre Damon, 30 May 2013
The announcement by the Chicago Board of Education last week that 49 of the city’s schools will shut down, in the largest school closing in US history, marks a new stage in the offensive against public education.
Victimized Illinois teacher denounces attack on education in YouTube video
By Jake Dean, 28 May 2013
Ellie Rubenstein, a teacher from Highland Park, Illinois, submitted her resignation in a speech on YouTube last week.
Chicago officials release final list of 49 school closures
By Kristina Betinis, 23 May 2013
The City of Chicago announced the closing of more than 49 public schools, facilitated by the Chicago Teachers Union and its political allies, including the International Socialist Organization.
Chicago Teachers Union files lawsuit alleging school closings are racist
By Alexander Fangmann, 18 May 2013
The Chicago Teachers Union, whose leaders include members of the International Socialist Organization, is seeking to stifle opposition to school closings by promoting racial politics.
Chicago school closings target poorest neighborhoods
By Kristina Betinis and Jeff Lusanne, 10 April 2013
The overwhelming majority of those hit by the shutdown of public schools in Chicago come from poor and low-income families.
Protest against school closures in Chicago
Teachers union seeks to channel opposition behind Democratic Party
By Jeff Lusanne and Shane Feratu, 29 March 2013
The school closure plan—one of the largest in US history—is the direct outcome of the CTU's betrayal of the teachers strike.
No to all school closures! Unite the working class to defend public education!
the Socialist Equality Party, 27 March 2013
This statement is being distributed at a demonstration of Chicago teachers today.
Chicago residents angry at planned school closings
By a WSWS reporting team, 26 March 2013
On March 21, the city of Chicago announced the closure of 61 public schools and the “turnaround” of 6 others, where all teachers and staff are fired and school management is privatized.
The attack on public education in Chicago
By Alexander Fangmann, 25 March 2013
The announcement of plans to shut down 61 schools in Chicago, Illinois marks a new stage in the social counterrevolution in America.
Chicago announces plans to shut 61 public schools
By Shane Feratu, 23 March 2013
The elimination of 13 percent of Chicago public school buildings is one of the largest mass school closures in US history.
CTU president denies opposing school closures
By Kristina Betinis, 23 March 2013
After the closure of 61 schools was announced by the Chicago public schools district, Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis made clear that the union supports shutting schools.
ISO whitewashes role of Chicago Teachers Union in school closures
By Kristina Betinis, 9 March 2013
In whitewashing the betrayal of the Chicago teachers strike by the Chicago Teachers Union, the ISO seeks above all to cover up its own role in preparing the subsequent school shutdowns.
Mass opposition to school closures in Chicago, Illinois
By Kristina Betinis, 18 February 2013
Hundreds of parents, students and teachers have attended meetings in Chicago, Illinois on the imminent closure of over 100 schools.
Socialism and the defense of public education in Chicago
the Socialist Equality Party, 14 February 2013
The SEP calls for the independent mobilization of the entire working class to oppose all school closings.
ISO leader endorses Chicago school closings
By Alexander Fangmann, 6 December 2012
Anyone who may still harbor illusions that the International Socialist Organization has anything to do with socialism should take a look at the video of ISO leader Jesse Sharkey’s appearance on Chicago Tonight.
ISO paves way for Chicago school closures
By Kristina Betinis and Jerry White, 27 November 2012
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Public Schools district (CPS) are moving ahead with plans to close as many as 120 public schools, and open up 60 new charter schools over the next few years. About 140 schools have been identified by the district as half-empty, and are expected to be the first targeted for closure. The closings would eliminate the jobs of thousands of teachers and school support staff.
Concessions imposed on Chicago-area teachers
By Shane Feratu and James Brewer, 14 November 2012
Following the sellout of the Chicago teachers' strike last September, suburban teachers have been hit with concessions contracts.
Chicago mayor threatens to cut pensions of teachers and city workers
By Alexander Fangmann, 15 October 2012
In a speech to the city council, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced plans to lead an assault on teacher and public worker pensions by spearheading statewide pension “reform.”
Chicago teachers docked pay, CTU still collects dues
By Kristina Betinis, 9 October 2012
Since the Chicago Teachers Union ended their 10-day strike, teachers have been issued short paychecks or no pay at all, but the union has still deducted dues.
Ratification of Chicago teachers contract sets stage for assault on public education
By Joseph Kishore, 5 October 2012
The contract, backed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Teachers Union, sets the stage for an expanded assault on teachers and public education.
Chicago: Evergreen Park teachers strike
By Shane Feratu, 4 October 2012
Classes were canceled Tuesday after negotiations between the union and Evergreen Park school board fell through on Monday night.
Vote “no” on the Chicago teachers contract!
For a political offensive of the working class to defend public education
Socialist Equality Party, 1 October 2012
The SEP calls on teachers to reject the sell-out agreement reached between the Chicago Teachers Union and the Chicago Public Schools.
Chicago school nurses speak on shortage: “Our kids deserve better”
By Lawrence Porter, 28 September 2012
Chicago Public Schools nurses describe how the cuts in public education have affected nurse-student ratios, putting the health of students at risk.
Video: Chicago teachers speak on their strike and the defense of public education
26 September 2012
On September 10, Chicago teachers struck against changes to public education demanded by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and backed by the Obama administration. In these interview, Chicago teachers discuss their strike and the broader issues at stake.
Lessons of the Chicago teachers strike
By Jerry White and Joseph Kishore, 21 September 2012
Chicago teachers returned to work on Wednesday after the House of Delegates voted to end their strike. For nine days, the 26,000 teachers waged a courageous struggle in defense of public education. The fight pitted teachers not only against Mayor Rahm Emanuel, but the Obama administration, both big business parties and, most importantly, the Chicago Teachers Union itself.
End of Chicago strike paves way for redoubled attack on teachers, public education
By Joseph Kishore, 20 September 2012
Chicago teachers returned to work on Wednesday, one day after the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) succeeded in passing a motion to end the strike at a House of Delegates meeting.
Delegates meeting votes to end Chicago teachers strike
By Joseph Kishore, 19 September 2012
The Chicago Teachers Union succeeded in obtaining a vote by 800 delegates who met Tuesday evening to end the nine-day strike.
The two paths open to Chicago teachers
Socialist Equality Party, 19 September 2012
This statement was distributed outside of the Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates meeting on Tuesday, called to decide whether to continue the strike.
Under threat of injunction, Chicago teacher delegates to vote on strike
By Joseph Kishore, 18 September 2012
The Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates is set to vote today on continuing or ending the strike, with city officials holding out the threat of a court injunction.
Seven Days in Chicago: What has been revealed by the Chicago teachers strike
By Jerry White, 18 September 2012
The Chicago teachers’ strike, which entered its second week on Monday, has laid bare the social and political dynamic of the United States.
Chicago teachers vote to continue strike
Mayor threatens injunction
By Joseph Kishore, 17 September 2012
The vote by teachers Sunday is a blow to the Chicago Teachers Union leadership, which is seeking to push through a contract that accepts all of the major demands of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
This deal is not what the strike was about!
Socialist Equality Party, 17 September 2012
This statement was distributed to Chicago teachers attending a delegates meeting to decide on whether or not the strike of 26,000 teachers should be ended.
SEP candidates discuss fight to defend education with Chicago teachers
By our reporters, 17 September 2012
Socialist Equality Party presidential and vice presidential candidates Jerry White and Phyllis Scherrer campaigned among striking teachers in Chicago over the weekend.
Teachers have the right to know: What’s in the contract?
By Joseph Kishore, 15 September 2012
Today’s rally is being organized under a veil of secrecy. The Chicago Teachers Union is trying to get teachers back to work by Monday, but is saying nothing about the concessions it has agreed to.
Without final contract, Chicago Teachers Union pushes for end to strike
By Joseph Kishore, 15 September 2012
At a delegates meeting on Sunday, the Chicago Teachers Union will seek to push through an agreement that accepts all the essential demands of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Chicago teachers: Reject the contract betrayal! Broaden the fight to defend jobs and public schools!
Statement by Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Jerry White
Statement by Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Jerry White, 15 September 2012
The following statement is being distributed at a rally Saturday of Chicago teachers called by the Chicago Teachers Union.
Union preparing to accept sellout contract and end Chicago teachers strike
By Joseph Kishore, 14 September 2012
Chicago Teachers Union officials indicated on Thursday that they are moving quickly to wrap up negotiations with the Chicago Public Schools and end a strike by 36,000 teachers.
Students, teachers oppose attack on public education
By a WSWS reporting team, 14 September 2012
Reporters for the World Socialist Web Site campaigned at picket lines and at the mass rally in downtown Chicago on the fourth day of the Chicago teachers strike. .
“The conditions for students are horrible”
SEP vice presidential candidate Phyllis Scherrer speaks to Chicago teachers
By an SEP campaign team, 13 September 2012
During her second day of campaigning among striking Chicago teachers, SEP vice presidential candidate Phyllis Scherrer continued discussing the political issues of the strike.
Chicago teachers in forefront of fight against bipartisan assault on education
By Joseph Kishore, 12 September 2012
The strike by 26,000 Chicago teachers completed its second day on Tuesday. Tens of thousands of teachers and their supporters gathered at a mass rally in downtown Chicago, filling several city blocks.
Chicago teachers discuss political issues in their strike
By Bryan Dyne, 12 September 2012
The World Socialist Web Site spoke to Chicago teachers on the second day of their strike.
SEP vice presidential candidate discusses political issues with striking Chicago teachers
By an SEP campaign team, 12 September 2012
In discussions with striking Chicago teachers Tuesday, SEP vice presidential candidate Phyllis Scherrer addressed the political issues in their struggle.
Democrats and Republicans line up against Chicago teachers
By Joseph Kishore, 11 September 2012
The strike pits the more than 25,000 teachers against Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Obama administration and the entire political establishment.
Striking teachers speak out in Chicago
By Kristina Betinis, 11 September 2012
The World Socialist Web Site spoke to Chicago teachers about the political issues at stake in the strike.
Teachers strike in Chicago
By Kristina Betinis, 10 September 2012
Negotiations between the Chicago Public Schools, the third largest school district in the country, and the Chicago Teachers Union broke off Sunday evening, sending thousands of teachers to the picket lines.
Follow the WSWS