Arbitrator will hear challenge to 2010 firing of Chicago teachers

From The Chicago Tribune: An independent arbitrator will hear a complaint from the Chicago Teachers Union that contends retaliation against the union was the reason the city's school district fired nearly 1,300 teachers in summer 2010. The union argues that the school system carried out the firings because the union would not agree to cut $100 million in wages and benefits. By agreeing to hear the case, the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board reversed an earlier decision by its executive director to dismiss it. A majority of those laid off have already been rehired or taken jobs with other school districts. But about 500 remain out of work, union officials say. The union is asking the board to restore the remaining 500 teachers to jobs within the Chicago school system.