CHICAGO _ Chicago Public Schools classes are canceled Thursday ahead of a planned teacher strike.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she can't accept the Chicago Teachers Unions' demands, saying they would cost $2.5 billion that the city can't afford.
"We value the workers ... Honoring that value is who I am and what I stand for," the mayor said. "But I also must be responsible for the taxpayers who pay for everything that goes on."
CTU President Jesse Sharkey announced late Tuesday that the union's bargaining "cannot recommend postponing the strike" because Lightfoot's camp hasn't provided adequate resources to improve conditions and equity in the schools.
CPS CEO Janice Jackson said classes were canceled on the expectation that the union's House of Delegates will vote with their bargaining team's recommendation to go forward with a strike. The delegates are scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon.
"We're assuming that the House of Delegates will vote today to move forward with a strike, and as a result all classes and after school activities will be cancelled tomorrow," CPS CEO Janice Jackson said. "This includes team practices and competitions, tutoring, field trips, internships, Parent University activities and all other community activities."
