CPS CEO Says He Can’t ‘Imagine a Need for a Strike’ — Despite Unresolved Disputes with CTU
Despite Progress, Many Issues Remain Unresolved
Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez said he thinks significant progress has been made in contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union — and he “can’t even imagine a need for a strike” despite the two sides appearing dug in on their positions.
Speaking at Thursday’s monthly Board of Education meeting, Martinez touted tentative agreements for lower class sizes in the youngest grades, more planning time for special education teachers, and funding for more “sustainable community schools.”
But Many of Those Deals Were Reached Weeks or Months Ago
However, many of those deals were reached weeks or months ago. The teachers union said there have been no new agreements since December 24.
Unresolved Issues Remain
There are still quite a few issues — financial and not — that remain unresolved. And neither CPS nor the CTU appear ready to make significant movement as a neutral arbitrator steps in to conduct a fact-finding report on their disputes.
Martinez’s Optimistic Assessment
Martinez said he understands the role of CTU is to “advocate for their members and to ask for as much as they can,” but CPS officials’ responsibility is to “give as much as we can while making sure the investments we commit are sustainable and affordable.”
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I’m proud of the fact that we’re closer to an agreement now than at any point in previous negotiations,” he said. “In 2016, negotiations took 18 months. In 2019, it was 14 months. We’re just concluding nine months of negotiations, and we’re very close to where we need to be.”
CTU President Disagrees
CTU President Stacy Davis Gates has been incredulous at Martinez’s estimate that the two sides are close to a deal. She challenged him to make that come to fruition this week.
“Come to bargaining tomorrow, CEO Martinez,” Davis Gates said at the school board meeting. “‘We are close,’ you said. I take you up on being close. And let’s land it. Tomorrow we start at 10 a.m. at your lawyer’s office, and let’s land this plane.”
Arbitrator’s Report Expected in Early February
The arbitrator’s report is expected in early February. CPS and CTU have 15 days to decide whether to reject or accept the findings. Though the union must wait 30 days to actually strike, it can take a strike vote any time after rejecting the findings.
March is the Soonest Any Potential Strike Could Happen
March is the soonest any potential strike could happen.
Conclusion
Despite Martinez’s optimism, the two sides appear far from reaching a deal. The arbitrator’s report may provide some clarity, but it’s unclear whether it will be enough to resolve the outstanding issues. The CTU has warned that a strike is possible, and the clock is ticking.
FAQs
* What is the current state of contract negotiations between CPS and the CTU?
+ The two sides have made some progress, but many issues remain unresolved.
* Has there been any new agreements reached since December 24?
+ No, there have been no new agreements since then.
* What is the arbitrator’s report expected to do?
+ The arbitrator will conduct a fact-finding report on the disputes between CPS and the CTU.
* When is the arbitrator’s report expected?
+ The report is expected in early February.
* What happens after the arbitrator’s report is issued?
+ CPS and the CTU have 15 days to decide whether to reject or accept the findings.
