Teachers in Chicago inch closer to possible strike

CHICAGO - Teachers in the nation's third-largest school district are inching closer to a strike that could take place as early as next month.

After rejecting the district's latest offer, Chicago educators are negotiating issues including pay, staffing shortages and class sizes.

Chicago's last major teachers strike was seven years ago, but the tone, issues and financial backdrop this time around are totally different. And there's new leadership for the union and the city.

The labor dispute is one of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's first major tests after taking office this year.

Both sides are meeting several times a week to negotiate a deal. If there's no agreement, union members plan to vote on a strike starting Sept. 24.

Shutting down schools could create major hassles for nearly 400,000 students and their families.