The Chicago Teachers Union's House of Delegates voted today not to suspend the strike that started Monday, but to take the tentative contract deal to the picket line for discussions over the next two days with the 26,000 striking teachers and school staff.

“This union is a democratic institution, which values the opportunity for all members to make decisions together. The officers of this union follow the lead of our members,” CTU President Karen GJ Lewis said. “The issues raised in this contract were too important, had consequences too profound for the future of our public education system and for educational fairness for our students, parents and members for us to simply take a quick vote based on a short discussion. Therefore, a clear majority voted to take this time and we are unified in this decision.”

The delegates said they will reconvene Tuesday afternoon after the discussions.