The union representing faculty and professional staff at City Colleges of Chicago has asked members to be ready to strike Monday if no contract deal is reached, NBC Chicago and WGN-TV reported.

No collective bargaining agreement had been reached as of Sunday night, WGN-TV reported. The dispute involves about 1,500 members of Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600, WGN-TV reported. Weeks ago, the union said it would begin a strike on Monday, October 19, if no agreement was reached, WGN-TV reported.

Members voted to strike by an overwhelming majority, with 96% of votes in favor, NBC Chicago reported. The union's website gives the same figure.

Members remain far apart from administrators on issues including artificial intelligence, health insurance, salary increases and free developmental education, NBC Chicago reported. Union leaders gave WGN-TV the same list: pay, health insurance, AI use and free developmental education.

"Over the last years we've seen prices sky rocket, we have been there throughout the covid years, working every day, working hard for our students, and we deserve a fair contract," union President Tony Johnston said, WGN-TV reported.

Faculty and staff held a rally Saturday afternoon, NBC Chicago reported. "To City Colleges leadership, there is still time to reach a fair agreement," a union member said at the rally, according to NBC Chicago. She said teachers were still willing to negotiate but were ready to do what is necessary to win a new contract, NBC Chicago reported.

In a statement, City Colleges said it "remains committed to finalizing agreements with faculty and professional staff as we continue to support students in achieving their educational and career goals," WGN-TV reported. WGN-TV said the colleges reshared a statement they had given it earlier in the week.

The union also took a strike vote four years ago but reached a contract without a walkout, NBC Chicago reported. Teachers threatened to strike in 2018 and 2022, and each time a deal came at the last minute, WGN-TV reported.

What we know: The union said members would strike Monday if no agreement is reached.
What we don't: Whether a deal was reached before the deadline, and how classes would be affected.