CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago’s mayor says she is “deeply disappointed” that leaders of the city’s teachers union rejected a sweetened contract offer, continuing a strike that has already canceled classes for nine days.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot spoke Tuesday afternoon, shortly before hundreds of delegates representing members of the Chicago Teachers Union are scheduled to receive an update on the contract talks.
The walkout that began Oct. 17 has centered on teachers’ demands for tighter limits on class sizes and more staff in schools.
Lightfoot says she met directly with union leaders Tuesday and made a generous offer on those issues.
She reiterated her earlier accusations that union leaders have demanded that she support state legislation affecting the district’s appointed school board and labor laws as part of a deal.
