I am having a hard time finding the details of the dispute, sources vary on exactly what that is.
But, it appears the Chicago Teachers Union is rejecting a 16-24% pay raise over five years, a target for increased school nurses and assistants over that same period, future target teacher to class size just beyond that period, and something related to accommodations for homeless students (cannot find much details on that one.)
In the balance is a tax issue with property valuations falling.
Ultimately what we are talking about is what usually happens to Chicago (and Illinois as a whole,) the burden wanting to be shifted on to the tax payer is becoming overwhelming to the point that too much of the city revenue is headed towards already committed to pension plans.
In this case we are seeing what I have been complaining about with public sector unions being able to extort the tax payer via governance into conditions that cause future fiscal issues for someone else in city (or state) leadership to deal with.
Should teachers get more and have better conditions? Probably, but I doubt the fiscal condition of the city can handle that without doing what public sector unions generally want... send the bill to the taxpayer.
Info came from the following sources:
Column: The Chicago teachers strike and property taxpayers and the road to serfdom - Chicago Tribune
Chicago Teachers Strike: Union teachers to picket for 2nd day with rally, march planned; CPS classes remain canceled | abc7chicago.com
School Canceled For Friday; No Deal As Teachers’ Strike Continues – CBS Chicago
Chicago teachers’ strike, salary demands ignore what Chicagoans can afford
Chicago teachers go on strike: Here'''s what they want | Fox Business