Letter of Support for Chicago Teachers from NASUWT.

NASUWT General Secretary Chris Keates has sent a letter of support to striking teachers in the US.

The expression of solidarity came as more than 26,000 teachers and other education professionals in Chicago went on strike over changes to their pay and working conditions. 

It is the first strike by the Chicago Teachers' Union and follows a breakdown in talks with the authorities in the city.

In a dispute that has strong parallels with the NASUWT’s Standing Up For Standards campaign, teachers are also deeply concerned about their long-term job security and the impact of educational reforms on their schools and pupils. 

The Chicago Teachers’ Union has raised concerns that the changes are leading to both the privatisation of their schools and the selling off of public assets. 

Teachers in Chicago are bravely taking action in the face of an extremely hostile administration.

As with teachers in the UK undertaking industrial action, teachers in Chicago deserve our support and solidarity.