Chicago Teachers Union appears to be backing off strike threat

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There are new developments in the Chicago Teachers Union's plan to strike later this month.

The CTU and the Chicago Public Schools are currently in a 30-day cooling off period from negotiations after the union rejected recommendations from an arbitrator.

With a May strike looming, the Chicago Teachers Union may be backing off a bit.

On Sunday, CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey said the problem is not contract negotiations, but the lack of funds. He indicated the union would like to see things play out in Springfield before walking off the job at the end of the school year.

"If we are not given anything to negotiate with, it makes it hard to find a settlement. We really need revenue for schools, and we need to figure out ways to fund public education," Sharkey said.

While the union may hold off on a strike, the CTU is worried Chicago Public Schools may not have enough money to finish the school year. On Monday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel claims the district will have the money.

"Our teachers will continue to focus on education of our children, and to the leadership, I would say, join us in convincing Springfield to properly fund education in the state of Illinois and no longer penalize poor children," Emanuel said.

Focusing on Springfield is what the parent group Raise Your Hand is doing. Members strategized about its planned visit Tuesday to the state capitol. Parents say before striking, the teachers union should give CPS and state lawmakers more time to come up with adequate funding.

"It's time to legislate, it's time to operate, it's time to compromise. Come to the table. Just because your kids don't go to public schools doesn't mean you shouldn't have a real stake in this - not a press conference stake - a real stake," said Jeff Jenkins, Raise Your Hand.

Parents should have a better idea of what direction the teachers union plans to take on Wednesday. That is when the CTU House of Delegates will meet to discuss strike possibilities.

State law requires a 10-day strike notice to an employer.