CHICAGO (AP) — The head of Chicago Public Schools says he's disappointed that the Chicago Teachers Union took a strike authorization vote before an independent fact-finder presented a recommendation.
CEO Jean-Claude Brizard reacted Monday to news that the teachers union received enough votes to authorize a strike. Union spokeswoman Stephanie Gadlin said the vote that began last Wednesday "well surpassed" the 75 percent approval required by state law.
Union leaders say the authorization vote gives teachers the legal authority to call a strike in the fall and gives them added leverage at the bargaining table. The CTU has scheduled a news conference Monday afternoon to discuss the vote.
Brizard issued a statement saying it's "a shame" that the union rushed teachers to authorize a strike "before having the complete information on the table."

