This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is facing a major test of her leadership as the city's teachers announce a strike, citing unmet demands for better working conditions and student support. The strike, which began on October 17, 2019, affects the nation's third-largest school district, where about 47 percent of students are Hispanic, 37 percent are African-American, and 10 percent are white.
The Chicago Public Schools system has long faced fiscal struggles, including high unfunded pension liabilities and low credit ratings. However, the system's financial outlook has stabilized somewhat in recent months, thanks in part to increased state aid. The annual budget is $5.98 billion, but the system still faces significant challenges in providing adequate resources for its students.
During her campaign for mayor, Lightfoot promised to put full-time nurses, social workers, and librarians in all city schools, expand counseling services, recruit more black and Hispanic teachers, and increase after-school programs. However, the Chicago Teachers Union claims that the city has failed to offer more than the status quo on some essential issues.
“Negotiating in good faith means that we get to reach a settlement,” said Stacy Davis Gates, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union. “If she cannot land a deal for teachers for public schools in Chicago, then you have to question her ability to get work done in this city.”
