More than 60 meetings later, despite the scientific community’s assurances and the school district’s extensive monitoring plans, the Chicago Teachers Union wants its members to stay home.

That forced Chicago Public Schools leaders to cancel in-person classes Jan. 27 for about 3,000 pre-kindergarten and special education students, who have been back in class since Jan. 11. This upheaval is also threatening to prevent more than 240,000 elementary students from returning after 10 months to in-person learning on Feb. 1.

The union told teachers not to report to work on Jan. 27 because it wants them vaccinated before entering schools and questioned the health metrics, school ventilation and protective equipment availability. The district has said more than 60 meetings resolved the key issues to keep students and teachers safe, and teacher vaccinations will be available starting mid-February.

The CTU now wants a mediator to resolve the remaining issues. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot agreed to that.

“Teachers, of course we want you to be safe. Of course we take your health and safety incredibly seriously, and we have built a plan to make sure you can get the vaccine,” Lightfoot told teachers Jan. 26. “But you need to work with us, you need to talk to your leadership, because we can’t get there unless we get there together. And we need to get a deal done for our children.”

The union is also threatening a strike. With teachers refusing to attend class, the district may lock them out of the remote learning platforms, which would also stop students from using them. If that happens, CTU is threatening its fourth strike in nine years.

That strike would likely be illegal, and leave teachers open to district discipline if they picket and union discipline if they don’t. Under Illinois labor law, CPS teachers and staff cannot engage in a strike when there is a current collective bargaining agreement in place. Striking while under contract is considered an illegal strike.

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