Again and again, Philly’s public school teachers have defied the school district, refusing to come back to unsafe buildings. This week, they won some concessions in a deal to reopen the schools. But major fights lie ahead.
The Biden administration is forcing schools to administer standardized tests in the midst of the global pandemic. Last year, Donald Trump waived these tests due to the coronavirus.
After reaching an agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union for an improved but insufficient reopening plan, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has shown her true colors when it comes to the labor movement and democratizing Chicago Public Schools.
I take pride in continuing to show up, open the windows, and teach as best I can. Also, it’s freezing.
On Tuesday, Chicago teachers narrowly voted to approve a proposal from the CPS that would have them return to their classrooms over the next several weeks. Though much better than the original reopening plan, even the union leadership admits it is imperfect. A real victory can only come from the organized rank and file.
There is bipartisan unity around reopening schools thanks to the alliance between Joe Biden, local officials, and national union leadership. It’s time for teachers to fight.
On Monday morning, Philly teachers defied the school district and refused to enter unsafe buildings. More battles lie ahead.
Teachers in Mars, Pennsylvania are prepared to strike if a fair contract is not reached by February 19.
Students, faculty, and staff at the City University of New York (CUNY) are grappling with another series of cuts by the administration. Left Voice interviewed a graduate student worker who holds multiple part time positions at CUNY to learn more about the austerity being imposed on the university.
Teachers in Chicago are fighting against the city’s plans to force them back to in-person learning despite unsafe conditions. Left Voice spoke to one of the teachers in the middle of the struggle about their experience and why it is important that workers across the country support Chicago teachers in this struggle.
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