Overview of the New Contract

Chicago Teachers Union members have overwhelmingly voted to ratify their new contract agreement with Chicago Public Schools, making official a deal that notches improvements for educators and students but leaves political turmoil in its wake.

Voting Results

After almost a year of negotiations, 97% of members who voted late last week approved the contract, according to the union. About 85% of the CTU’s 27,000 eligible voting members participated. Voting took place by paper ballot in schools and voting locations across the city on Thursday and Friday, and counting wrapped up over the weekend. The Board of Education will likely vote to approve the deal at its monthly meeting April 24.

Key Provisions of the Contract

CTU and CPS reached a tentative agreement in late March on a contract that gives teachers 4% to 5% raises in each of the deal’s four years; lowers class sizes; provides extra pay for veteran educators; grants more planning time for elementary school teachers; increases funding for sports programs; and adds potentially hundreds of staff positions, including 90 librarians.

Historical Context

The contract is the CTU’s first without a strike vote in 15 years, and ratification with 97% approval is much higher than other votes in that time. In 2019, 80% of voting members ratified a deal after an 11-day walkout. In 2016 it was 79% approval, and 72% in 2012.

Challenges and Controversies

There wasn’t a serious threat of a labor stoppage this time — and the CTU had a friendly mayor in office in Brandon Johnson — but there was still significant strife. Johnson and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez disagreed on how to pay for a CTU contract along with another couple of significant expenses. Union leaders turned on Martinez as a result and began publicly blasting him. Eventually, the saga led Johnson’s entire handpicked school board to resign in October and his replacement board to fire Martinez in December.

Aftermath and Future Developments

Martinez’s contract allowed him to stay on through June because he was fired without cause. He alleged in a lawsuit against the Board of Education that its members interfered with his job overseeing CTU negotiations. In the end, Martinez and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates remained at odds, each continuing to publicly criticize each other. The CTU’s attention now turns to its internal leadership election in May. A rival slate is running against Davis Gates’ team, whose caucus has led the union since 2010.

Conclusion

The ratification of the new contract marks a significant milestone for the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools. Despite the challenges and controversies that arose during the negotiation process, the contract promises to bring about improvements for both educators and students. As the CTU moves forward with its internal leadership election, it will be important to monitor how the new contract is implemented and how it impacts the education system in Chicago.

FAQs

• Q: What percentage of CTU members voted to ratify the new contract?
  A: 97% of CTU members who voted approved the contract.
• Q: What are some key provisions of the new contract?
  A: The contract includes 4% to 5% raises for teachers, lowers class sizes, provides extra pay for veteran educators, grants more planning time for elementary school teachers, increases funding for sports programs, and adds potentially hundreds of staff positions.
• Q: What was the voter turnout for the contract ratification vote?
  A: About 85% of the CTU’s 27,000 eligible voting members participated.
• Q: When will the Board of Education vote to approve the deal?
  A: The Board of Education will likely vote to approve the deal at its monthly meeting on April 24.