CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Taxpayers could be in for some pain, as a result of the Chicago Teachers Union going on strike Monday, after contract negotiations failed late Sunday night.
The numbers are frightening. The ugly truth is that the Board of Education couldn't afford the contract offer the union rejected.
The mayor has not explained how the school system - already facing a $660 million budget shortfall - would come up with the extra $380 million needed to pay for that offer to the striking teachers: A 16 percent pay raise over the next four years, with no hint of merit pay that the union vehemently opposes.
Crain's Chicago Business said the average CPS teacher makes $76,000 a year. Compare that to the average private sector salary, which is about $54,000.
Crain's said teacher's salaries have grown 42 percent in the past nine years.
Chicago teachers can retire at age 60, with full benefits after 20 years of service.
That 16 percent pay raise over four years leaves a hole in the public schools' budget that could total more than $1 billion. The likely result will be big increases in property taxes, and perhaps other taxes as well.
Chicagoans may look back and see the labor strike as an opening salvo of the next campaign for mayor.
Public employee unions are already targeting Mayor Rahm Emanuel, talking about recruiting a candidate - and trying to strip him of any control over the schools.
They want an elected school board.
The mayor called it a "strike of choice." Every strike is, in one sense or another.
Teachers are unique in being able to strike without any long-term risk. Pay days they miss now will be made up in December vacation or summer vacation.
Union leaders are also impervious to public anger. They're elected by teachers, not the public.
But the mayor is quite vulnerable., being elected by the people of Chicago.
