Education
Monday Classes Canceled As CPS-CTU Standoff Drags On
A sign supporting the Chicago Teachers Union during its car caravan rally on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. (WTTW News)
Chicago students will once again stay home Monday, as the standoff between the school district and the Chicago Teachers union over the district’s COVID-19 safety protocols extends into its second week.
Chicago Public Schools has announced Monday’s classes are canceled, marking the fourth straight school day students will stay at home as the district continues negotiations with the CTU over enhanced health and safety measures.
“Out of fairness and consideration for parents who need to prepare, classes will be canceled again Monday,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted Sunday evening. “Although we have been negotiating hard throughout the day, there has not been sufficient progress for us to predict a return to class tomorrow.”
Out of fairness and consideration for parents who need to prepare, classes will be canceled again Monday.
Although we have been negotiating hard throughout the day, there has not been sufficient progress for us to predict a return to class tomorrow.
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) January 10, 2022
As COVID-19 cases spiked across Chicago this week, union members approved a labor action in which they’ve refused to work in-person at schools until additional protocols are in place. Teachers have instead attempted to work remotely this week, though many have said CPS has locked them out of their remote workspaces.
The union is demanding CPS increase regular testing, provide KN95 masks to all students and staff and increase the number of vaccinations offered at schools. CPS earlier this week said it has offered to expand its tracing capability, provide approximately 200,000 masks for staff and resume health screeners and temperature checks for those entering schools.
Negotiations between the sides are ongoing, but a deal has not yet been struck. Instead, both the union and city filed complaints against each other with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, alleging unfair labor practices.
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431
