CTU, CPS Back to Bargaining After Union Rejects Neutral Arbitrator’s Recommendations
A Neutral Arbitrator’s Recommendations
A neutral arbitrator, Martin Malin, recommended a new contract between Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) that includes annual raises between 4% and 5%, 90 new librarians hired by 2029, and more family engagement coordinators. However, the CTU rejected the recommendations, citing that they did not address other union demands, such as the structure of the elementary school day and teacher evaluations.
Here’s What the Fact-Finder Recommended
Malin’s 19-page report outlined the arguments made by both CTU and CPS on a series of contract provisions, including annual raises and staffing levels for various positions. He sided with the district on annual raises and staffing levels for counselors and case managers, but sided with the union on staffing levels for librarians and made middle-of-the-road recommendations on raises for seniority and staffing levels for teaching assistants, family and community engagement coordinators, and teachers certified to work with English learners.
Rejection of Recommendations Starts Countdown for a Strike
The rejection of the recommendations starts a 30-day clock before the union can give the district a 10-day strike notice. The district and union have resorted to a third-party mediator three times since the fact-finding process became part of state law in 2010. Twice, educators went on strike after one or both sides rejected the mediator’s recommendations.
Conclusion
The rejection of the neutral arbitrator’s recommendations by the CTU marks a significant setback in the ongoing contract negotiations between the union and CPS. The union is pushing for additional staffing with assurance of no layoffs or furloughs, as well as changes to teacher evaluations and curriculum. The district, on the other hand, is insisting that further concessions would imperil the district’s financial stability. The two sides will now return to the bargaining table, with the threat of a strike looming.
FAQs
Q: What did the neutral arbitrator recommend?
A: The arbitrator recommended a new contract that includes annual raises between 4% and 5%, 90 new librarians hired by 2029, and more family engagement coordinators.
Q: Why did the CTU reject the recommendations?
A: The CTU rejected the recommendations because they did not address other union demands, such as the structure of the elementary school day and teacher evaluations.
Q: What happens next?
A: The two sides will return to the bargaining table, with the threat of a strike looming. The CTU has a 30-day clock before it can give the district a 10-day strike notice.
Q: What is the significance of the rejection of the recommendations?
A: The rejection of the recommendations marks a significant setback in the ongoing contract negotiations between the union and CPS. The two sides have been unable to agree on key issues, including staffing and teacher evaluations.
