Vote could push Chicago closer to teachers strike

Associated Press ^ | Jun 8, 2012, 7:42 PM EDT | DON BABWIN

[Hunton Peck]

Angry that one promised raise disappeared and that they're being asked to work longer days without what they consider to be an adequate pay increase, Chicago teachers are considering authorizing their first strike in a quarter-century.

In a signal of their mounting anger, teachers are voting this week - before a summer of negotiations and a recommendation from an independent fact-finder - on a strike that wouldn't happen until the next school year starts. If they do authorize a strike, teachers in the nation's third-largest school...

"This is a reflection of the treatment we as teachers have been subjected to this year ... that the posturing of the board of education has created such misery and suffering and discontent that we needed to send a message," said David Rose, a teacher at Roberto Clemente Community Academy.

The frustration largely centers around Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who rescinded a 4 percent raise last year and then began pushing for a longer school day. Teachers say the mayor - and now the district - have not offered them enough money to make up for the added time.

***

Parents, meanwhile, are worried, not just about the education of the city's children, but about their safety and well-being should teachers go on strike. The district has about 405,000 students in more than 675 schools.

"The gang violence in my neighborhood is way too high to risk having children home on a daily basis when they should be in school," said Letitia Daniel, whose 11-year-old boy goes to school on the city's South Side.

Her sister, Felisha Slater, noted the school her two young sons attend elsewhere in the city also provides meals.

"Some of the kids, their parents can't afford to buy food for their families, and they get fed at school," she said.

[trebb]

Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, .....

Illinois was probably a big help in keeping Wisconsin voters focused on keeping Walker - they had a near-by example of what happens when the lefties and the unions get their way...

[listenhillary]

San Francisco has it figured out. The students are a resource to be used.

Official Seeks Review Of Oakland School With Panhandling Students

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2012/06/07/official-seeks-review-of-oakland-school-with-panhandling-students/

[MomwithHope]

“Some of the kids, their parents can’t afford to buy food for their families, and they get fed at school,” she said.

***

Translation: Parents might actually have to stay home and take care of their kids. God forbid, a parent actually has to pour a bowl of cereal or make a sandwich.

Alternate translation: "We need all our food stamps for booze and lobster."