In New York City, the head of the teachers’ union said Wednesday that members are ready to call in sick or go out on strike if schools reopen for in-person classes before teachers feel safe. Michael Mulgrew is president of the United Federation of Teachers.

Michael Mulgrew: “The minute we feel that the mayor is trying to force people into a situation that is unsafe, we go. We go to court. We go to job action. That’s where we go.”

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio fired back, warning the teachers’ union against any labor actions that aren’t allowed under its collective bargaining agreement with the city.

Mayor Bill de Blasio: “Look, any — any union leader who talks about doing something illegal should really think twice about what he’s saying.”

Mayor de Blasio has yet to commit to a schedule for the fall school year but has strongly suggested he’s prepared to order some classrooms to reopen on September 10 under a “blended” model that combines in-person and distance learning.