CPS Classes Cancelled Friday As Teachers Union Standoff Continues

CHICAGO — Classes have been cancelled at city public schools Friday in the wake of a Chicago Teachers Union vote to stop in-person learning.

Chicago Public School CEO Pedro Martinez sent a letter to parents Thursday informing them not to send their kids to school for the third straight day "as we continue working to get CTU staff back in our buildings."

Martinez said some schools will offer in-person activities for students on Friday, but parents shouldn't send their kids to buildings unless they have been contacted by a principal.

"Our schools are the best, safest place for students to be during this pandemic, and we are working tirelessly to get everyone back in class every day. We will continue working with CTU to resolve this situation and will provide you with ongoing updates as the week continues," Martinez said in the letter.

On Tuesday, 73-percent of CTU members voted in favor of protesting working conditions amid a spike in coronavirus cases with a "work action" that could last until Jan. 18.

"Bargaining sessions today started at noon and went into the evening. The sessions were productive from our perspective," Martinez and Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement late Thursday.

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