Battle Lines

Yes, this morning's Chicago Sun Times got it right...sadly. With yesterday's Chicago Teacher's Union 1 day work stoppage/strike/job action (call it what you wish) the stage has been set for a greater erosion of trust and the ability of both sides to find a way forward on any number of issues..

There are so many problems and issues involved in the ongoing tussle, it's difficult to untangle them. As time has gone on, the chasm has only widened. The Board of Education is now calling for sanctions against the union as they contend that the action yesterday was illegal. The CTU wants to call attention to the fact that schools aren't properly resourced. Both sides have other arguments about the many financial woes besetting the school system.

With both sides set to return to the bargaining table on Monday to work on a new contract, yesterday's teacher strike is not likely to be a harbinger of a smooth session.

By the way, calling Governor Rauner a "terrorist" is disgraceful and serves no positive purpose. I am in support of teachers everywhere but unless all parties are respectful of each other then more harm will come about.

As I have said before, the teachers could well use the upcoming furlough days, set by the Board of Education, to make a stronger point with the city's residents, students, their families and the public at large.

Dick