Chicago Teacher's Union to strike Monday..

[pragmatic]

Chicago Teacher's Union to strike Monday..

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A bitter dispute between unionized public school teachers and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has residents of the third-largest U.S. city bracing for a possible teachers' strike on Monday in a showdown over education reform that has national implications.

Nearly 30,000 public school teachers and support staff represented by the Chicago Teachers Union have vowed to walk off the job starting at 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT) on Monday if an impasse in contract talks with the city is not broken.

Emanuel, a former White House chief of staff to President Barack Obama and a speaker at this week's Democratic National Convention, has made reform of Chicago's troubled public schools a top priority. Emanuel cut short his trip to the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, to deal with the teacher crisis.

Chicago braces for first teacher strike in a generation | Reuters




This would quickly become a national focus if it were to transpire. The contingency plans by CPS administrators for how to deal with the students in the event of a strike is morbidly fascinating. ("Collect rival gangs in a contained space. Watch the hilarity ensue.")

Could be a big win/power play for the union demands. Can be sure that Rahm/Axlerod/Obama are making major efforts to prevent this strike from occurring. Not a good headline politically speaking...
​

 

[nota bene]

If I were a parent who had to scramble for daycare arrangements, I'd be furious. With the teachers. And hoping that Emmanuel would do what Reagan did with the air traffic controllers.

 

[MaggieD]

Chicago Teacher's Union to strike Monday..

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A bitter dispute between unionized public school teachers and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has residents of the third-largest U.S. city bracing for a possible teachers' strike on Monday in a showdown over education reform that has national implications.

Nearly 30,000 public school teachers and support staff represented by the Chicago Teachers Union have vowed to walk off the job starting at 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT) on Monday if an impasse in contract talks with the city is not broken.

Emanuel, a former White House chief of staff to President Barack Obama and a speaker at this week's Democratic National Convention, has made reform of Chicago's troubled public schools a top priority. Emanuel cut short his trip to the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, to deal with the teacher crisis.

Chicago braces for first teacher strike in a generation | Reuters




This would quickly become a national focus if it were to transpire. The contingency plans by CPS administrators for how to deal with the students in the event of a strike is morbidly fascinating. ("Collect rival gangs in a contained space. Watch the hilarity ensue.")

Could be a big win/power play for the union demands. Can be sure that Rahm/Axlerod/Obama are making major efforts to prevent this strike from occurring. Not a good headline politically speaking...
​

I think it's time for the city to publicly release it's latest offer that the teacher's union is rejecting. An to release the latest counter offer by the union. Watch the fur fly then!

Because they're public employees, I believe the public has a right to know what's going on in the negotiations. That oughta' bring both sides down to "proverbial earth."

 

[pragmatic]

I think it's time for the city to publicly release it's latest offer that the teacher's union is rejecting. And to release the latest counter offer by the union. Watch the fur fly then!

Because they're public employees, I believe the public has a right to know what's going on in the negotiations. That oughta' bring both sides down to "proverbial earth."

Great point. Had forgot about that "behind closed doors" element of the negotiations.

 

[Fishstyx]

Just have to say Wow! Their demands are utterly ridiculous. 30% pay raise over the next two years? Average salary before benefits is $71k?!?!

Political Diary: Rahmbo vs. the Teachers Union - WSJ.com

I doubt they'll gain much sympathy from the public over this one.

 

[pragmatic]

Just have to say Wow! Their demands are utterly ridiculous. 30% pay raise over the next two years? Average salary before benefits is $71k?!?!

Political Diary: Rahmbo vs. the Teachers Union - WSJ.com

I doubt they'll gain much sympathy from the public over this one.

It is a very valid possibility that an extended strike would put Illinois up for grabs in the presidential elections. For those who are not familiar with the state of Illinois: Chicago is "royal" blue. The rest of the state is relatively red.

Obama/Axlerod know this. So does the Chicago Teachers Union. My guess is that a settlement may be reached quickly. One that is very favorable to the Teachers union.

 

[MaggieD]

It is a very valid possibility that an extended strike would put Illinois up for grabs in the presidential elections. For those who are not familiar with the state of Illinois: Chicago is "royal" blue. The rest of the state is relatively red.

Obama/Axlerod know this. So does the Chicago Teachers Union. My guess is that a settlement may be reached quickly. One that is very favorable to the Teachers union.

Does it not occur to you that the exact opposite could be true? That taxpayers are sick to death of being blackmailed by teachers' unions? That yet another Democrat caving to their ridiculous demands would be another nail in their coffin?

 

[pragmatic]

Does it not occur to you that the exact opposite could be true? That taxpayers are sick to death of being blackmailed by teachers' unions? That yet another Democrat caving to their ridiculous demands would be another nail in their coffin?

You could be right. Dunno.

But we need to keep in mind that Obama controls the bully pulpit. Which gives Axlerod/Obama team the advantage to spin the event any way they wish. Obama is a very persuasive speaker when he has time to prepare the speech.


We are possibly getting ahead of ourselves here. Could all get resolved (or postponed) by Monday. Let's see what happens in the next 72 hours.

 

[Velvet Elvis]

B..b..b..but it's all about the kids, right?

Fire the lot, and hire back those teachers that want a paycheck. Let their personal achievements and ability to market themselves dictate their salary. Perhaps then we'll be employing the worthy teachers, and discarding the tenured ones who just "dial it in" for a paycheck.

 

[justabubba]

tough one to call
rahm is not the kind of fellow who backs down
on the other hand the last thing Obama needs is the appearance that his former chief of staff is being unrealistic with the unionized teachers
great strategy/timing for the union tho
any other time and rahm would tell them to piss off

 

[MaggieD]

B..b..b..but it's all about the kids, right?

Fire the lot, and hire back those teachers that want a paycheck. Let their personal achievements and ability to market themselves dictate their salary. Perhaps then we'll be employing the worthy teachers, and discarding the tenured ones who just "dial it in" for a paycheck.

tough one to call
rahm is not the kind of fellow who backs down
on the other hand the last thing Obama needs is the appearance that his former chief of staff is being unrealistic with the unionized teachers
great strategy/timing for the union tho
any other time and rahm would tell them to piss off

Rahm's in a tough spot, politically. The ceiling's been reached on property taxes in the city that can be used towards Education. Their debt rating is being reduced. They're in trouble with teacher pension funding. I'd like to think he'll hold tight, but I do wonder. 2% a year for the next four years isn't chicken feed in today's job market. Plus, let's not forget, in Illinois they still get their step/lane increases. Teachers in the city of Chicago are very well paid. Yet the CPS "boasts" a 60% graduation rate. Go figure.

 

[pragmatic]

Rahm's in a tough spot, politically. The ceiling's been reached on property taxes in the city that can be used towards Education. Their debt rating is being reduced. They're in trouble with teacher pension funding. I'd like to think he'll hold tight, but I do wonder. 2% a year for the next four years isn't chicken feed in today's job market. Plus, let's not forget, in Illinois they still get their step/lane increases. Teachers in the city of Chicago are very well paid. Yet the CPS "boasts" a 60% graduation rate. Go figure.

Can't really get around it. A strike by the Chicago teachers union would be uncomfortable for the Obama re-election. An extended strike by the Chicago teachers union would dominate the news and be a semi-disaster for Axlerod/Obama in the re-election campaign. The Obama team can't and won't allow that to happen.

 

[cpwill]

If I were a parent who had to scramble for daycare arrangements, I'd be furious. With the teachers. And hoping that Emmanuel would do what Reagan did with the air traffic controllers.

8.1% nominal unemployment and much higher in real terms. I'm thinking, if they play their cards right, that the city of Chicago just managed to free itself of the travails of dealing with a public sector union.

 

[armor99]

Rahm's in a tough spot, politically. The ceiling's been reached on property taxes in the city that can be used towards Education. Their debt rating is being reduced. They're in trouble with teacher pension funding. I'd like to think he'll hold tight, but I do wonder. 2% a year for the next four years isn't chicken feed in today's job market. Plus, let's not forget, in Illinois they still get their step/lane increases. Teachers in the city of Chicago are very well paid. Yet the CPS "boasts" a 60% graduation rate. Go figure.

Exactly correct!!!! I will probably not get a raise that high over the next 4 years either. Then again, I like most people make a salary higher than most teachers. However..I seem to recall someone else earlier citing that the average salary was something like 71k/year. Now I do understand that places like Chicago are really expensive... but not THAT expensive!

This just brings to light the inherent brutishness that unions will always lead too. When people are not free to bargain individually for their own salaries, and must collectively bargain, it is an environment that will always breed envy, hatred, and complacency. Knowing my own personality.... even if collective bargaining were to get me a larger salary than I can get on my own, I would still be reluctant to take it. It gives other people far to much power and control over me. I am an adult and not a child. I and I alone get to decide what is a fair salary, and what I will work, and not work for salary wise. I find the notion of any other person , or even a group of people that I vote for telling ME... what I am going to work for.... or not, completely repulsive in every way. No union will ever know my personal situation better than I will. I do not need a "gang" to look after me and my own self interest... I am strong enough, and have enough skill, to do that for myself.

 

[justabubba]

Exactly correct!!!! I will probably not get a raise that high over the next 4 years either. Then again, I like most people make a salary higher than most teachers. However..I seem to recall someone else earlier citing that the average salary was something like 71k/year. Now I do understand that places like Chicago are really expensive... but not THAT expensive!

This just brings to light the inherent brutishness that unions will always lead too. When people are not free to bargain individually for their own salaries, and must collectively bargain, it is an environment that will always breed envy, hatred, and complacency. Knowing my own personality.... even if collective bargaining were to get me a larger salary than I can get on my own, I would still be reluctant to take it. It gives other people far to much power and control over me. I am an adult and not a child. I and I alone get to decide what is a fair salary, and what I will work, and not work for salary wise. I find the notion of any other person , or even a group of people that I vote for telling ME... what I am going to work for.... or not, completely repulsive in every way. No union will ever know my personal situation better than I will. I do not need a "gang" to look after me and my own self interest... I am strong enough, and have enough skill, to do that for myself.

then it is a wonderful thing that you have absolutely no obligation to seek employment at a unionized workplace
would seem that would make you happy rather than angry

 

[MMC]

Well.....considering what the Democrats are doing to Unions in Chicago. Besides stealing their pension funds. Either way it is not going to help Obama. Also I think either Elmhurst or Evanston Teachers Are going to go on strike as well.

Chicago School Teachers are always crying about how they don't have enough. Yet their school days have been shorter than just about anyone else'e in the Country.

 

[MaggieD]

Well.....considering what the Democrats are doing to Unions in Chicago. Besides stealing their pension funds. Either way it is not going to help Obama. Also I think either Elmhurst or Evanston Teachers Are going to go on strike as well.

Chicago School Teachers are always crying about how they don't have enough. Yet their school days have been shorter than just about anyone else'e in the Country.

What public pension is healthy? I'd really like to know. I don't any are. Chicago's teachers' pension assumes an 8% rate of return. When it falls short of that? Guess who has to make up the difference? The taxpayer. These are the dirty little secrets that most people aren't aware of. CPS has done what they feel they can do to get that assumption lowered -- who is using an 8% assumed return? No one.

You're right about their school days being shorter than any other in the country. I think that's changing, but I'm not even sure about that. Emanuel asked 5 schools (I think it was) last year to work an extra hour or something like that. He said, take a vote. If it's unanimous that you'll do it, we'll gift you all an IPod. (No other money.) In those five schools, the teachers voted unanimously to do so and accepted the IPods. The union filed suit claiming unfair labor practices (which I guess is true, I don't really know). And in place of that free IPod? They (the union) asked for, I believe, a 30% increase in salary over 2 years. CPS, teachers union still far apart on salary demands - Chicago Tribune

It's my understanding they've backed down on that demand. But their side of the table is silent and the mayor's offfice isn't talking. CPS has offered 2% per year which the union soundly rejected. Supposedly there's a new offer on the table from CPS...we'll see what happens.

When I see my neighbors out of work...hear them in dismay over high property taxes...here everyone else tightening their belts in this recession? I'm sorry. A 30% increase is made by greedy pigs. But that's me...I feel very strongly about that particular subject, as I suppose you've gathered.

 

[MMC]

What public pension is healthy? I'd really like to know. I don't any are. Chicago's teachers' pension assumes an 8% rate of return. When it falls short of that? Guess who has to make up the difference? The taxpayer. These are the dirty little secrets that most people aren't aware of. CPS has done what they feel they can do to get that assumption lowered -- who is using an 8% assumed return? No one.

You're right about their school days being shorter than any other in the country. I think that's changing, but I'm not even sure about that. Emanuel asked 5 schools (I think it was) last year to work an extra hour or something like that. He said, take a vote. If it's unanimous that you'll do it, we'll gift you all an IPod. (No other money.) In those five schools, the teachers voted unanimously to do so and accepted the IPods. The union filed suit claiming unfair labor practices (which I guess is true, I don't really know). And in place of that free IPod? They (the union) asked for, I believe, a 30% increase in salary over 2 years. CPS, teachers union still far apart on salary demands - Chicago Tribune

It's my understanding they've backed down on that demand. But their side of the table is silent and the mayor's offfice isn't talking. CPS has offered 2% per year which the union soundly rejected. Supposedly there's a new offer on the table from CPS...we'll see what happens.

When I see my neighbors out of work...hear them in dismay over high property taxes...here everyone else tightening their belts in this recession? I'm sorry. A 30% increase is made by greedy pigs. But that's me...I feel very strongly about that particular subject, as I suppose you've gathered.

Yeah and plus they are always talking about how they are looking out for the kids. My azz they are. As Soon as the day is over they are up and off the grounds within 20mins. Thats the majority of them. Moreover most the schools are locked down paying for security. They don't care about most of those kids. Otherwise they would have kept afterschool programs going or having teachers round to help students. While I am sure there are some good teachers. One thing is for certain. One does not hear the Youth of Chicago praising all their Education and those CPS Teachers!

Then closing down park districts with the events they use to hold and they wonder why they got kids running around and shooting each other.

They flat out rejected the 2% raise despite the economy. Despite the raising of taxes in Chicago and the inclusion of a couple of Temporaries that will eventually become permanent as they always do. Emanuel is a Putz and yeah he got those teachers to cross their own Unions. But hey thats what Socialists do. At least he had the balls to say. Thats how he Wanted it......Not that it was some major agreement on the socialistic comment.

 

[justabubba]

What public pension is healthy? I'd really like to know. I don't any are. Chicago's teachers' pension assumes an 8% rate of return. When it falls short of that? Guess who has to make up the difference? The taxpayer. These are the dirty little secrets that most people aren't aware of. CPS has done what they feel they can do to get that assumption lowered -- who is using an 8% assumed return? No one.

do you want us to believe that the teachers' union UNILATERALLY made the decision to fund the pension plan with an 8% growth rate or was it more likely that the employer - the city's representative at the bargaining table - also agreed to that

You're right about their school days being shorter than any other in the country. I think that's changing, but I'm not even sure about that. Emanuel asked 5 schools (I think it was) last year to work an extra hour or something like that. He said, take a vote. If it's unanimous that you'll do it, we'll gift you all an IPod. (No other money.) In those five schools, the teachers voted unanimously to do so and accepted the IPods. The union filed suit claiming unfair labor practices (which I guess is true, I don't really know).

a bargaining unit is exclusively represented by the union. the employer does NOT get to go to the unionized employees individually and negotiate with them
that type of action is referred to as a union bypass, and it is an unfair labor practice to do so. which rahm found out when his side agreement with those intimidated teachers was properly struck down because it was NOT negotiated with the exclusive representative - the teachers' union

And in place of that free IPod? They (the union) asked for, I believe, a 30% increase in salary over 2 years. CPS, teachers union still far apart on salary demands - Chicago Tribune

It's my understanding they've backed down on that demand. But their side of the table is silent and the mayor's offfice isn't talking.

rahm requires the teachers to spend 30% more time on the clock
why then is a union counter proposal seeking a 30% increase in compensation so absurd?

CPS has offered 2% per year which the union soundly rejected. Supposedly there's a new offer on the table from CPS...we'll see what happens.

so, your boss says i want you to work 52 hours this week instead of your usual 40; and as compensation for those extra 12 hours he is going to give you a 2% raise. i suspect most here would find that 2% increase inadequate for 30% more work

When I see my neighbors out of work...hear them in dismay over high property taxes...here everyone else tightening their belts in this recession? I'm sorry. A 30% increase is made by greedy pigs. But that's me...I feel very strongly about that particular subject, as I suppose you've gathered.

are you wanting us to believe that the budget for the city of chicago is absolutely lean, and that the only line item in the budget which seems out of line is the one for teachers' salaries?

 

[MaggieD]

do you want us to believe that the teachers' union UNILATERALLY made the decision to fund the pension plan with an 8% growth rate or was it more likely that the employer - the city's representative at the bargaining table - also agreed to that

CPS didn't have to agree on the assumptions made in the pension plan. They don't control it. You can believe what you'd like.

a bargaining unit is exclusively represented by the union. the employer does NOT get to go to the unionized employees individually and negotiate with them
that type of action is referred to as a union bypass, and it is an unfair labor practice to do so. which rahm found out when his side agreement with those intimidated teachers was properly struck down because it was NOT negotiated with the exclusive representative - the teachers' union

Obviously you are correct.

rahm requires the teachers to spend 30% more time on the clock -- why then is a union counter proposal seeking a 30% increase in compensation so absurd?

If the hour-and-a-half extra he was originally asking for is 30% more time than they're spending, it's even worse than I thought. :rofl Oh! And why is it absurd? CPS is out of money.

so, your boss says i want you to work 52 hours this week instead of your usual 40; and as compensation for those extra 12 hours he is going to give you a 2% raise. i suspect most here would find that 2% increase inadequate for 30% more work

I've never worked at an hourly job in my LIFE, Justa. I received a salary to get the job done. That often required extra time over and above my "usual norm" of 40 hours.

are you wanting us to believe that the budget for the city of chicago is absolutely lean, and that the only line item in the budget which seems out of line is the one for teachers' salaries?

I'd suggest you do your own research. I'm not trying to get you to believe me.

 

[justabubba]

CPS didn't have to agree on the assumptions made in the pension plan. They don't control it. You can believe what you'd like.

so, you are saying that the union, which is not funding the pension plan was unilaterally deciding what the rate of return would have to be
then if the city has so abdicated it responsibility to the taxpayers, chicago has a bigger problem that the pending teachers' strike

Obviously you are correct.

i can live with that

If the hour-and-a-half extra he was originally asking for is 30% more time than they're spending, it's even worse than I thought. :rofl Oh! And why is it absurd? CPS is out of money.

do you go shopping for more stuff when you have no money to pay for it?
that appears to be what you are saying to justify rahm's actions of wanting more labor but without expecting to have to pay the cost of it

I've never worked at an hourly job in my LIFE, Justa. I received a salary to get the job done. That often required extra time over and above my "usual norm" of 40 hours.

so, if the employer had expected you to work 30% longer all year you would have been ok without an increase in your compensation? if so, i want to hire you

I'd suggest you do your own research. I'm not trying to get you to believe me.

well then you have succeeded, because i don't

 

[MaggieD]

so, you are saying that the union, which is not funding the pension plan was unilaterally deciding what the rate of return would have to be then if the city has so abdicated it responsibility to the taxpayers, chicago has a bigger problem that the pending teachers' strike

Say hello to a Democrat-controlled government for the past 25 years. The Teachers Retirement System controls the teacher pensions...how they invest...their imputed rate of return... And here we can agree, Justa -- Illinois has a MUCH bigger problem than the pending teachers' strike.

do you go shopping for more stuff when you have no money to pay for it?
that appears to be what you are saying to justify rahm's actions of wanting more labor but without expecting to have to pay the cost of it

I agree with you here as well. Why did Emanuel pick this time in history to lengthen the school day? Why now? Gotta' wonder.

so, if the employer had expected you to work 30% longer all year you would have been ok without an increase in your compensation? if so, i want to hire you

Just so you're aware, that is now off the table. Emanuel is hiring more teachers so that no teacher will work longer days.

well then you have succeeded, because i don't

Then my work here is done.

 

[Fiddytree]

I won't be like the liberals and conservatives waging war in Wisconsin, because I don't live in Wisconsin and don't know a damn thing about Wisconsin.

Each area of the country has its own battles, and each district has its own battles. Whatever inclinations I have are more limited to my own region and districts than are suitable for national commentary. Maggie, if you have kids in the district (or family who do), and you have chosen your side, be as outraged as you want to be. I have no qualms, no hesitations.

 

[MMC]

Say hello to a Democrat-controlled government for the past 25 years. The Teachers Retirement System controls the teacher pensions...how they invest...their imputed rate of return... And here we can agree, Justa -- Illinois has a MUCH bigger problem than the pending teachers' strike.



I agree with you here as well. Why did Emanuel pick this time in history to lengthen the school day? Why now? Gotta' wonder.



Just so you're aware, that is now off the table. Emanuel is hiring more teachers so that no teacher will work longer days.



Then my work here is done.

That would be a Democratic Government for close to 75yrs and failed Fiscal Policy in Chicago......just sayin!

 

[nota bene]

Rahm's in a tough spot, politically. The ceiling's been reached on property taxes in the city that can be used towards Education. Their debt rating is being reduced. They're in trouble with teacher pension funding. I'd like to think he'll hold tight, but I do wonder. 2% a year for the next four years isn't chicken feed in today's job market. Plus, let's not forget, in Illinois they still get their step/lane increases. Teachers in the city of Chicago are very well paid. Yet the CPS "boasts" a 60% graduation rate. Go figure.

That's a terrible "boast." Yikes.

What are the odds that Rham will do what's best for Chicago rather than what is politically expedient with the election looming?