Chicago Teachers Union Makes Progress as CPS CEO Martinez Wins Temporary Restraining Order
Contract Negotiations Continue Despite Court Ruling
The head of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) announced steps forward in the union’s contract negotiations, despite a judge ordering a temporary restraining order in favor of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez against the school board on Tuesday.
Progress Made on Key Issues
According to a statement from CTU leaders, “We remain very close to a historic deal with CPS. Today, we made considerable headway by lowering class sizes, growing the number of libraries and librarians, and expanding sports and art programs for the city’s public schools.” The statement also emphasized the union’s focus on ensuring that students and their families have a high-quality school day that meets their social, emotional, and academic needs.
Judge Grants Temporary Restraining Order
Earlier in the day, a judge granted Martinez a temporary restraining order against members of the Chicago Board of Education, who had voted last Friday to fire him without cause. The order bars board members from interfering with CTU contract negotiations or diminishing Martinez’s authority. Martinez’s attorney, William Quinlan, explained the ruling, stating that “The board cannot obstruct Mr. Martinez’s job duties, interfere with negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union, diminish his role, or instruct his staff.”
Tension Between Martinez and Mayor Johnson
The court clash stems from tension between Martinez and Mayor Brandon Johnson over a loan Martinez refused to approve to fund the teachers’ contract. The union criticized Martinez’s legal move, calling it a “dangerous new precedent” and accusing him of misunderstanding his responsibilities.
CTU President Remains Optimistic
Despite the friction, CTU President Stacy Davis Gates remains optimistic about continuing negotiations. She plans to meet with Martinez and his bargaining team on Thursday. “Since now, the courts have decided that Pedro is in charge, we’ll be here on Thursday at 10 a.m. with his bargaining team,” she said to ABC 7 Chicago. “If that progress stops, the only person we have to look at is Pedro Martinez.”
Temporary Order Remains in Effect
The temporary order remains in effect until at least January 9, six days before elected school board members are sworn in. Meanwhile, another motion filed Tuesday flagged an ethics concern: CPS’s chief talent officer questioned Johnson’s status on CTU leave from his CPS position.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, the CTU remains committed to negotiating a fair contract with CPS. The union’s progress on key issues and its focus on ensuring a high-quality school day for students are encouraging signs. The temporary restraining order may present a hurdle, but the CTU is determined to continue negotiating in good faith.
FAQs
Q: What is the status of the contract negotiations between the CTU and CPS?
A: The CTU and CPS have made progress on key issues, including lowering class sizes, growing the number of libraries and librarians, and expanding sports and art programs.
Q: What is the temporary restraining order, and how does it affect the negotiations?
A: The temporary restraining order bars board members from interfering with CTU contract negotiations or diminishing Martinez’s authority. It remains in effect until at least January 9.
Q: What is the source of tension between Martinez and Mayor Johnson?
A: The tension stems from a loan Martinez refused to approve to fund the teachers’ contract, which the union criticized as a “dangerous new precedent.”
