Jewish Labor Committee Supports Teachers Striking in Chicago
A picket line outside Gale School in Rogers Park on the morning of Monday, September 10. (Photo: Sarah Jane Rhee/Chicago Indymedia)
(September 10, 2012) Chicago, IL - The Jewish Labor Committee supports Chicago's teachers in their effort to achieve a fair agreement that is good for them, their students and the city of Chicago. Michael Perry, Chair of the Chicago Region of the Jewish Labor Committee, stated that:
"The Chicago Teachers Union and its members were committed to working around the clock to achieve a fair contract that allowed them to be in the classroom teaching the city's children -- where they wanted to be doing what they have devoted their work lives to doing. All they asked was that their work and that their role as partners with administrators to make sure every student has a real chance to succeed be respected. They had already agreed to a longer school day, and they had put forward ideas to make each school day not only longer, but better by including more art, music and other subjects that enrich and motivate children.
"No one becomes a teacher or a school support staff to become rich. But they can and should expect fair and decent conditions, including respect and a voice in how to improve the education of the children whom they serve."
Perry concluded by emphasizing that "understanding the crucial importance of decent education to our community's youth, we are committed to a fair agreement between Chicago's teachers and the City of Chicago."