Lazy Teachers? I think not.

The Chicago teachers union have decided to walk out of schools last week. After claims that the classrooms are not air conditioned, toilet paper is scarce and much needed books just aren't there. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he would seek a court order to end the strike which is illegal under Illinois state law.

In my personal opinion I think these teachers arn't stretching the truth much at all.  Mayor Emanuel said the the issues teachers are striking over are "deemed by state law to be non-strikable."The teacher walkout, the first in 25 years immediately stopped classes for 350,000 students. Most of these parents can barely put food on the table, now they have to worry about where their teenager is or who they are going to have to pay to watch their younger kids. Even in a town as small as Batesville, I would think that BHS shutting down would probably put a stranglehold on the community.  Most parents also are worrying about the increased gang violence in Illinois this year.

The strike also had implications on the political scale because of Barack Obama being from Chicago and the mayor and the president having different views on the matter. I believe that the teachers have a reason to strike and take their job seriously and their job in such a large city would probably be difficult.The teachers walked out on Sept 10th after months of tense contract talks and for a time it appeared that they would reach a peaceful resolution. From the beginning both sides couldn't even agree if they were even close to a deal. Chicago's long history as a union stronghold has helped the teachers.

Even though Chicago's teachers are some of the highest paid in the country with an average salary of 76,000 a year there working conditions are some of the worst. I really do feel sorry for the teachers, Even teaching in a nice air conditioned room with good students is hard if your having an off day. Ive been in some of those classes that just wasn't working and it wasnt anybody in particulars fault. So yes, I do agree with the teachers.
(a picture of one of the many protester signs)