Chicago Teacher Strike Continues into Week Two - WLNS TV 6 Lansing - Jackson | Your Local News Leader

Classrooms in Chicago will be empty again this morning as hundreds of teachers hit the picket lines again.

The Chicago Teachers Union has decided to continue the strike into its second week.

According to Union President Karen Lewis, the big issue right now is time; teachers feel rushed and want more time to discuss the offer that's on the table.

Union delegates refused to vote on a proposed contract settlement that had been worked out over the weekend, which means school will remain closed again today.

The two biggest reasons for the strike are the union opposed teacher evaluations and job security.

Chicago's Mayor, Rahm Emanuel, says the walkout is illegal and he's seeking a court order to end the strike saying, "This was a strike of choice and is now a delay of choice that is wrong for our children."

The strike has canceled classes for about 350,000 students in the district.

Union delegates are planning to meet again on Tuesday, which means the earliest classes could start up again is Wednesday.

The walkout is the first in Chicago in 25 years.