Chicago Teacher Strike Timeline: Key Events That Led Up To Historic Walkout

Key Events That Led Up To The Historic Teacher Strike In Chicago
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis takes a break from negotiations over teachers' contracts with the Chicago Board of Education to address a rally of thousands of public school teachers on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 in downtown Chicago. Teachers walked off the job Monday for the first time in 25 years over issues that include pay raises, classroom conditions, job security and teacher evaluations. (AP Photo/Sitthixay Ditthavong)
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis takes a break from negotiations over teachers' contracts with the Chicago Board of Education to address a rally of thousands of public school teachers on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 in downtown Chicago. Teachers walked off the job Monday for the first time in 25 years over issues that include pay raises, classroom conditions, job security and teacher evaluations. (AP Photo/Sitthixay Ditthavong)

On Monday, the Chicago Teachers Union's 26,000 members headed to the picket lines instead of the classroom.

The walkout marked the first public school teacher strike in 25 years in the nation's third-largest school district and has impacted more than 350,000 of the city's youth and their families.

The teacher strike in Chicago rapidly became a national story that many, owing to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's ties to President Obama, say may have an impact on the November presidential election.

As of Wednesday evening, it does not appear a resolution will be coming anytime soon amid ongoing talks between the city and the union.

Just catching up on what could be a high-profile test for public employee unions nationwide? Below is a timeline of key events that preceded the teacher walkout in Chicago.

Before You Go

FEBRUARY 2011

Chicago Teachers Strike Timeline

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