United States | Payback time

Brandon Johnson is giving Chicago’s teachers’ union everything

It may well cost him his political career

Mayor Brandon Johnson greets students, parents, and staff.
Photograph: Getty Images
|CHICAGO

Last year, when he was campaigning to be mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, a former organiser for the Chicago Teachers Union, was asked how he would handle negotiating a contract with his former employers, especially when money is tight. He answered simply: “Who better to deliver bad news to friends than a friend?” The teachers’ union downplayed hopes of special favours. “Brandon is a remarkable person who has a lot of principles,” said Jesse Sharkey, a former head of the union.

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This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “Payback time”

From the October 19th 2024 edition

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