The Chicago Teachers Union is planning what it’s calling a “historic” rally this afternoon. The union wants 4,000 teachers and other school employees to turn out.

The rally takes place as the district and union are locked in negotiations over a contract. Many observers believe the union will try to ask its members to authorize a strike before the end of the school year.

A new state law requires the CTU to get 75 percent of its members to support a strike if the teachers do want to walk out. Teachers couldn’t actually go out on strike until early fall.  

A fact finding committee is looking at offers from both sides now and is slated to issue a report in mid-July.

We discuss the rally on Wednesday’s Afternoon Shift.