CTU Leader Says Trump Presidency Adds Urgency to Contract Negotations
Union Ramps Up Pressure to Get a Deal
The Chicago Teachers Union is ramping up pressure to get a contract deal, insisting it needs to be done before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, and expressing doubt that the current school district leadership can make it happen.
“We have a real, clear and present danger staring at us,” CTU President Stacy Davis Gates said about Trump’s administration. “The responsible thing to do is to figure out how to settle a contract that protects, supports and builds a force field, and then figure out how we begin to work together to secure our district.”
Rally Held Downtown
The union held a packed rally downtown Thursday.
School Day and Planning Time
One big dispute between CPS and CTU is over planning time for elementary school teachers. CPS argues that more planning time would cut into instructional time, something that officials are not interested in doing. CPS officials argue that Chicago teachers get more preparation time than teachers in other big city districts.
Staffing
The CTU is asking for thousands of new positions that they say will support students.
Class Sizes
Class size is an issue that’s not only of interest to teachers, but also parents. It has big educational implications, as well as financial ones.
Salaries and Benefits
There appears to be general agreement on how much CTU members will be paid.
Conclusion
The CTU is urging the school district to come to an agreement on the contract before Trump takes office. The union believes that the current administration is not equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead, and that a new contract is necessary to protect the interests of teachers and students.
FAQs
Q: What is the main issue in the contract negotiations between the CTU and CPS?
A: The main issue is the proposal by the CTU to increase planning time for elementary school teachers, which CPS is resisting.
Q: What is the CTU asking for in terms of staffing?
A: The CTU is asking for thousands of new positions that they say will support students, including teacher assistants, librarians, and counselors.
Q: What is the current class size limit in CPS schools?
A: The current class size limit varies by grade level, but CPS is proposing higher caps than the CTU is asking for.
Q: What is the proposed salary increase for CTU members?
A: CPS has offered 4% raises this school year followed by 4-5% for the next three years depending on inflation.
Q: What is the current status of the contract negotiations?
A: The negotiations are ongoing, but the CTU is urging the school district to come to an agreement before Trump takes office.
