Chicago teachers to vote on strike authorization this month

CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Teachers Union's House of Delegates has decided union members will vote later this month on a strike authorization.

President Karen Lewis said Wednesday the union leadership will listen to what the members have to say. Union members last spring approved a strike authorization. However, officials said a second vote would cover them legally to strike this fall.

The contract for about 27,000 union members expired in June 2015.

Union and Chicago Public Schools representatives are expected to resume contract talks this week. They have been negotiating on issues including cost-of-living raises, pensions and other benefits. Earlier this year, the union's bargaining team rejected a district proposal.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel says teachers should let the negotiations between union leaders and CPS play out.

Students returned to class Tuesday.