On June 26, The Chicago Teachers Union joined forces with Occupy Chicago in an effort to, according to Occupy Chicago Labor Working Group leader Susan Dirr, begin the process of building solidarity for the CTU. Their reasoning: instead of reacting to a blow, they want to prepare a preemptive attack against CPS and Rahm Emanuel. They did not allow me to film, saying that it was a private event. However, the event was publicly advertised on CORE’s (Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators) website.

Attendees of the meeting included about a dozen CTU teachers; several union members from, among other labor groups, AFSCME, ICW (International Chemical Workers), and NNU (National Nurses United); at least two members of the International Socialist Organization; and an abundance of Occupiers.

The speakers stressed that the CTU contract fight is only the tip of the iceberg of what unions everywhere are facing, saying that working people’s rights are under attack.

Norine Gutekanst, organizing coordinator for CTU, and Michael Brunson, recording secretary, gave speeches explaining why it is imperative for the CTU to gather as many supporters as possible to join their fight against Mayor Emanuel and Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO of CPS. Negotiations have commenced, and Brunson labeled the opposing side as “unreasonable.”