Chicago Teachers Union Begins Strike Authorization Vote

By Stephanie Kim
Strike authorization
Chicago Teachers Union's Jesse Sharkey speaks outside Chicago Public Schools headquarters in this June 27, 2018 file photo. Union delegates on Wednesday decided to take a strike authorization vote beginning Sept. 24.
Strike authorization
Chicago Teachers Union's Jesse Sharkey speaks outside Chicago Public Schools headquarters in this June 27, 2018 file photo. Union delegates on Wednesday decided to take a strike authorization vote beginning Sept. 24.

Chicago Teachers Union Begins Strike Authorization Vote

By Stephanie Kim
WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

Members of the Chicago Teachers Union started voting Tuesday on whether to authorize a strike, after months of tense contract negotiations with Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools. 

If 75% vote yes, union leaders say teachers could walk out as early as Oct. 7.

Morning Shift checks in with the union president for the latest on the strike vote and what comes next.

GUEST: Jesse Sharkey, president of the Chicago Teachers Union