CTU plans ‘day of action' on April 1

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - The Chicago Teachers Union says it's not an April Fools stunt. The union says it’s preparing to demonstrate on April 1.

The Sun-Times says CTU has not finalized its plan, but the union is looking at a day of action and it could close schools.

CTU President Karen Lewis says parents should see the day as an extra holiday.

The teachers are rattled by the Board of Education’s decision to impose three unpaid furlough days on union members to save the district $30 million. The first is March 25, Good Friday. There is no school that day as it is an unpaid day for teachers. Then on April 1, students are expected to go to school but parents might want to have a backup plan.

CPS sent a letter to parents outlining budget challenges, saying administrators are committed to keeping school doors open, keeping pressure on Springfield lawmakers and trying to settle the contract with teachers.

The district apparently made another offer. The union is expected to respond on Thursday.

CPS says April 1 is a regular school day, and it expects students and teachers in class that day. It says teachers cannot legally strike next month.