Chicago Teachers Vote To Authorize Strike In Contract Talks

CTU 2012 strike vote again in 2016
In this Sept. 18, 2012 file photo, teachers picket outside Morgan Park High School in Chicago, as a strike by the Chicago Teachers Union continued into its second week. Teachers here, in the nation's third-largest school district, are voting on whether they want to strike as contract talks with Chicago Public Schools officials ramp up again. The last round of contract talks with the cash-strapped district led to a strike in 2012, the first Chicago teachers' walkout in 25 years. M. Spencer Green/AP, file
CTU 2012 strike vote again in 2016
In this Sept. 18, 2012 file photo, teachers picket outside Morgan Park High School in Chicago, as a strike by the Chicago Teachers Union continued into its second week. Teachers here, in the nation's third-largest school district, are voting on whether they want to strike as contract talks with Chicago Public Schools officials ramp up again. The last round of contract talks with the cash-strapped district led to a strike in 2012, the first Chicago teachers' walkout in 25 years. M. Spencer Green/AP, file

Chicago Teachers Vote To Authorize Strike In Contract Talks

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CHICAGO (AP) — Teachers in the nation’s third-largest public school district have overwhelmingly voted in support of a strike, though the earliest one could occur is mid-October.

The Chicago Teachers Union said Monday that 95 percent of its voting members favored strike authorization.

The support was expected. About 88 percent supported a strike during a similar December vote. The union, which represents over 25,000 members, needs 75 percent support and 10 days of notice before a walkout.

CTU’s governing body meets Wednesday to determine next steps. If they decide to give notice, the first possible day of the strike would be Oct. 11.

Cost-of-living raises, pension contributions and health care have been key issues since the contract expired last year.

Teachers staged a one-day walkout in April. The last major strike was in 2012.