The Chicago Teachers Union on Wednesday discussed their next steps in lengthy contract talks with Chicago Public Schools. CPS and CTU have begun fact-finding hearings this week, a required stage in negotiations before the union can legally go on strike.

Chicago Public Schools and the teachers union are reaching a stalemate in negotiations. Chicago teachers are no strangers to strikes: The last three contracts with Chicago Public Schools landed after the teachers walked off the job. "To force our hand to take a strike vote is a very cruel and mean joke," CTU President Stacy Davis Gates said.

The fact-finding process triggers a timeline for a possible strike, but it wouldn’t happen until mid-April at the earliest.

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates says a fact-finding process underway now is “stacked against” the CTU, opening the door for a strike as early as March.

Contentious labor contract negotiations are overshadowing the needs of Chicago Public Schools students and parents.

Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union sent a letter reaffirming their commitment to being a sanctuary place for all students, parents, and employees.

The current seven-person Chicago school board, with members all selected by Mayor Brandon Johnson, will switch Wednesday to 20 board members and a president.

The new Chicago Board of Education was sworn in while the Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates calls for a contract settlement.

Teachers and other school workers, who are determined to fight against years of austerity and lost purchasing power, must reject the illusions peddled by CTU leaders about the supposed “transformative” contract.

The damage that has been done to our most vulnerable population will resonate for the years to come — we’re already seeing the impact today.

The borrowing comes as the government watchdog Civic Federation describes the junk-rated school district as being at a “critical financial juncture.”

President Donald Trump's administration is ramping up its efforts to find and deport undocumented immigrants in Chicago. A new directive could lead to the mayor and other local officials possibly facing arrest due to sanctuary city laws.