DSA holds fundraiser for potential teachers strike
The Democratic Socialists of America held a fundraiser at The Hideout for the Chicago Teachers Union’s impending strike on Friday
Proceeds from the event will go toward expenses Chicago Public School teachers will accrue if they strike Thursday. The DSA is a national socialist organization dedicated to championing the demands of the American working class. Its primary base is made up of young people who supported Senator Bernie Sanders during the 2016 democratic primaries. The Chicago branch has multiple working groups intent on “advancing tactics in [Chicago] communities that forward a working-class-centered politics of humanity and solidarity.” Some of their working groups include an anti-racism working group, an environmental justice working group and a labor justice working group. They are supporting the unions in charge of the impending strike by raising money for CPS teachers and students and by promoting the strike within their networks and throughout the city.
Emilie Shireman, co-coordinator of DSA’s Chicago Public School Strike Solidarity Campaign and Co-Chair of DSA’s labor working group, said the impending strike “is probably going to be the biggest strike in recent memory,” referencing the 40 thousand workers who will be on the picket line demanding fair wages and adequate resources from the city.
Shireman also said DSA is raising money for an initiative called Bread For Ed. A portion of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward providing strikers with meals during actions and rallies and toward funding meals for students who rely on CPS for food. The gofundme page now has over 12 thousand dollars in donations.
“This strike is gaining national attention,” said Shireman. “The unions are strong. We’re ready to stand with them as another form of community support.”
Readers interested in contributing toward the Bread For Ed initiative can donate here: