Chicago Teachers Union Pushes for No School on May Day

The union's demand to cancel classes on International Workers' Day is creating uncertainty for thousands of students and parents.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:18am

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A vibrant, fractured painting in shades of blue, red, and yellow depicting a group of protesters marching with signs, banners, and flags, representing the political energy and tensions around the May Day demonstrations in Chicago.The political fight over whether Chicago's public schools will hold classes on May Day reflects the broader tensions between labor unions, the mayor, and the school district over the role of student activism.Chicago Today

The influential Chicago Teachers Union is pushing for the city's public schools to cancel classes on May 1, coinciding with International Workers' Day rallies. However, the newly appointed leader of Chicago Public Schools has rejected the union's request, creating a standoff that has left tens of thousands of students and parents uncertain about the school schedule.

Why it matters

The dispute over whether to hold classes on May Day highlights the complex political dynamics between the teachers union, a key ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson, and the school district leadership. It also showcases the challenges facing the city's newly elected, more progressive school board as it navigates issues of student learning, labor rights, and community activism.

The details

The Chicago Teachers Union wants the nation's fourth-largest school district to cancel classes for all students on May 1, arguing it allows teachers and students to participate in protests defending education and workers' rights. However, Macquline King, the newly named district CEO, has said she has no plans to cancel class, stating that 'every minute in the classroom is vital for our students.' The district's school board could override King's decision with a vote at their next meeting on April 23.

  • The Chicago Teachers Union has filed a grievance over the matter and plans to use May 1 as a professional development day for teachers, swapping it for one scheduled on June 5, the first day of students' summer break.
  • More than 70% of the district's students are low-income, and most are Black or Latino.

The players

Chicago Teachers Union

The influential teachers union, an ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson, is pushing for educators to participate in protests on May Day, coinciding with workers' rights rallies worldwide.

Macquline King

The newly named leader of Chicago Public Schools, who has rejected the teachers union's pitch to cancel classes on May 1.

Brandon Johnson

The newly elected mayor of Chicago, who supports the May 1 demonstrations but has been less clear publicly about whether classes should be canceled.

Jennifer Custer

An elected member of the Chicago Board of Education, who has criticized calls to keep students out of school as 'reckless.'

Emma Lozano

A longtime immigrant rights activist appointed to the Chicago Board of Education by Mayor Johnson, who believes it's important for students to take part in May 1 marches.

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What they’re saying

“'As a career educator, I believe every minute in the classroom is vital for our students.'”

— Macquline King, CEO, Chicago Public Schools

“'Calls to keep students out of school are reckless. They hurt parents who work, disrupt classrooms, and set our kids back — all for politics.'”

— Jennifer Custer, Elected Board Member, Chicago Board of Education

“'We don't just get educated in the classroom. We get educated in the world and have to learn how to fight for our rights.'”

— Emma Lozano, Appointed Board Member, Chicago Board of Education

What’s next

The Chicago Board of Education will vote on whether to override the CEO's decision and cancel classes on May 1 at their next regular meeting on April 23.

The takeaway

The dispute over holding school on May Day highlights the complex political dynamics between the teachers union, the school district leadership, and the city's newly elected, more progressive school board. It also underscores the challenges of balancing student learning, labor rights, and community activism in a diverse, urban school system.