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FOX 32/AP - The Chicago Teachers Union's House of Delegates has decided union members will vote later this month on a strike authorization.
President Karen Lewis said Wednesday the union leadership will listen to what the members have to say. Union members last spring approved a strike authorization. However, officials said a second vote would cover them legally to strike this fall.
"We want to make sure that all of our I's are dotted and our T's are crossed," Lewis said.
The strike authorization vote will happen September 21st through the 23rd.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised parents, students and teachers for their strides in the classroom. But Lewis struck back.
"The mayor didn't get those gains, who got the gains? And quite frankly, let's be real. The people who did the work got the gains," she said.
The contract for about 27,000 union members expired in June 2015.
Both sides are still at odds over teachers' pensions and pay raises.
"Over the life of the contract, there's a 13 percent pay raise and also the security of the teachers pension. And my sense is that I want our teachers, our parents, our students to focus in the classroom and I want our collective focus on the negotiating table," Emanuel said.
The Chicago Teachers Union disagrees with what Mayor Emanuel told reporters Wednesday.
"Basically it's a loss of pay. We got no raises...so that's flat,” Lewis said.
Teachers are fed up and more are said to be getting on board with the possibility of striking again.
"I think if you continue to treat us the way we've been treated that you're asking for us to strike. (applause) That's what I think,” said teacher Tara Stamps.
Union and Chicago Public Schools representatives are expected to resume contract talks this week. They have been negotiating on issues including cost-of-living raises, pensions and other benefits. Earlier this year, the union's bargaining team rejected a district proposal.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel says teachers should let the negotiations between union leaders and CPS play out.
Students returned to class Tuesday.