Teachers in the third-largest school district in the nation have voted in favor of a strike, but a number of steps must take place before a walkout could possibly take place next month.

In all, close to 95% of the voting members of the Chicago Teachers Union supported the idea of a strike.  The support comes as no surprise, as 88% supported a strike in a similar vote last December.  At that time, a second vote had been called for by CTU leaders in an effort to remobilize members and hold off legal efforts made by the city or state to put an end to a potential strike, writes Juan Perez Jr. for The Chicago Tribune.

In order to strike, state law requires 75% of the union to support the idea and school officials must be given 10 days prior notice.  The union’s governing board plans to meet on Wednesday in order to determine the next steps.  If it decides to give notice concerning a potential strike, the earliest date to begin that strike would be October 11.  However, it could decide later on to strike, or it could choose not to strike if progress is seen during negotiations.

Union officials believe school officials and parents should not be shocked by the news of a strike, saying that multiple cuts have already been made in the district, which is strapped for cash.