Chicago school union chief: Emanuel ‘exploded’

The Chicago Teachers Union says tensions are high over Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s push for a longer school day.

Union Chief Karen Lewis issued a statement Friday saying Emanuel “exploded” when the two met a couple weeks ago. Lewis says Emanuel “used profanity, pointed his finger” and “yelled.”

Emanuel says he doesn’t want to get into a “he-said-she-said.” He says the two met, had a “very good” conversation and “hugged” at the end of the meeting.

The union and Emanuel’s administration are at odds over rolling out a school day that is longer by 90 minutes.

Emanuel has offered financial incentives to schools and teachers to lengthen the day. Five schools have so far agreed to work outside the union contract to do it. The union has filed a grievance.