Chicago teachers file unfair labor grievance

The Chicago Teachers Union says it has filed a grievance against the public school district for imposing changes in working conditions before a contract is reached.

The union said Wednesday it filed an unfair labor practice charge with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. They claim the district cancelled annual longevity pay increases, discontinued a longevity sick leave benefit and imposed new teacher evaluations.

The union says state law bars employers from changing working conditions while bargaining is ongoing. The union wants a preliminary injunction ordering the district to rescind the changes.

Spokeswoman Becky Carroll said district officials are “disappointed” by the union’s action.

Teachers say they’ll strike Monday if a contract agreement isn’t reached by midnight Sunday. They reaffirmed the strike date late Wednesday after a union delegates meeting.