Court to re-examine legality of Chicago teachers layoffs

Court to re-examine legality of Chicago teachers layoffs
Unionized teachers and hotel workers in Chicago gather for a labor solidarity rally on April 9th, 2011 i File/Flickr/Jean Paul Holmes
Court to re-examine legality of Chicago teachers layoffs
Unionized teachers and hotel workers in Chicago gather for a labor solidarity rally on April 9th, 2011 i File/Flickr/Jean Paul Holmes

Court to re-examine legality of Chicago teachers layoffs

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A federal appeals court has vacated an earlier opinion that Chicago Public Schools improperly fired nearly 750 tenured teachers last summer.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals says it will rehear argument in the case.

The court ruled in March the fired teachers were entitled to a recall procedure and should be allowed to show they’re qualified for new vacancies.

Both sides claimed victory with the ruling.

Chicago schools contended it was not required to reinstate laid-off teachers or negotiate recall procedures with the union. But the Chicago Teachers Union said the ruling meant fired teachers must be recalled.

The appeals court wants the Illinois Supreme Court’s advice on whether tenured teachers get the right to be rehired after an economic layoff and if they get access “to certain procedures during rehiring.”