Chicago mayor: Schools deal an 'honest compromise'

[September 19, 2012]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is calling the tentative agreement that led to the end of the city's teacher's strike "an honest compromise."

Emanuel spoke to a Tuesday evening news conference after union delegates voted to suspend the seven-day strike at a meeting where they discussed details of the proposed deal. Emanuel says the tentative settlement "means a new day and new direction" for the city's schools.

The contract needs a vote by the full membership of more than 25,000 teachers.

Emanuel had called the walkout a "strike of choice" and pushed for a quick resolution after parents were forced to find alternatives for about 350,000 students. He even went to court to try to force teachers back to class, but didn't get a hearing on that request before Tuesday's vote.

[Associated Press]

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