“We value the workers," Lightfoot said in a press conference.

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"Honoring that value is who I am and what I stand for. But I also must be responsible for the taxpayers who pay for everything that goes on.”

The announcement comes as delegates of the Chicago Teachers Union are expected to vote on whether to go on strike Wednesday afternoon.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson added at the press conference, "We’re assuming that the House of Delegates will vote today to move forward with a strike, and as a result all classes and after school activities will be cancelled tomorrow."