Negotiators have ‘framework’ to end strike in Chicago

Associated Press

CHICAGO

The city’s nearly weeklong teachers strike appeared headed toward a resolution Friday after negotiators emerged from marathon talks to say they had achieved a “framework” that could end the walkout in time for students to return to class Monday.

Both sides were careful not to describe the deal as a final agreement and declined to release the terms. They expected to spend the weekend working out details before union delegates are asked to vote Sunday on whether to call off the strike.

School Board President David Vitale said the “heavy lifting” was over after long hours of talks placed “frameworks around all the major issues.”

Union President Karen Lewis agreed, saying there were no “main sticking points right now.” But she reiterated that there also is no contract yet, and the strike remains in full effect.

The walkout has been a potent display of union power at a time when organized labor has been losing ground around the nation. The negotiations have been followed closely by many other unions and school districts that face the same issues about the future of urban education.