Teachers for the Acero charter schools network began picketing Tuesday morning, marking the nation’s first-ever strike by charter school educators and canceling classes for thousands of students.

“We’re going to stay on strike until we get educational justice for the people who work in Acero charter schools,” Jesse Sharkey, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, said during a press conference ahead of the picket line. “Our teachers are here to do the right thing by their students.”

Educators started picketing at Acero’s VMC/Veterans Memorial Campus, 4248 W. 47th St., at 6:30 a.m. Among those in attendance is Randi Weingarten, president of the 1.7 million-member American Federation of Teachers, a national umbrella group for CTU.

“Whether we are in West Virginia or Chicago, teachers want and need a voice in order for us to ensure that children get what they need,” Weingarten said in the press conference. “That is why we are walking out for our kids today.”

Source: First-ever charter school strike in U.S.: Acero teachers on picket line in Chicago