Introduction to the Chicago Teachers Union Contract
The Chicago Teachers Union announced Monday that 97 percent of teachers and support staff at Chicago Public Schools who voted last week approved the tentative deal it reached after a year of sometimes heated bargaining with the district. The union said 85 percent of all union members voted last Thursday and Friday across 500 schools and some central locations for citywide employees.
The Voting Process and Union Membership
During a press conference Monday announcing the results, CTU President Stacy Davis Gates said the approval numbers were a result of the union’s democratic process, including consulting its roughly 30,000 members on proposals for the contract. “That should be an expectation: That people are engaged, that people have an understanding, that they get their questions answered, they see the progression of the work and then they ratify in those numbers,” Davis Gates told reporters.
Addressing Concerns and Future Plans
To members who voted no, Davis Gates said the union will continue to “build” with them and asked those members to give the union “a few more years” to meet their demands. Davis Gates is up for re-election in May and faces at least one slate of challengers. The approval from CTU’s membership caps a process that heightened tensions between the district, the union, and Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former middle school teacher and CTU organizer.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
The new contract will include 4-5 percent raises annually over the life of the four-year contract, as well as additional pay for more veteran teachers. It will also require hiring hundreds more staffers, including more teacher assistants, and includes some new class size limits. One of the thorniest issues resolved in the final days of bargaining was additional preparation time for elementary school teachers. Those educators will receive an additional 10 minutes of prep time each day, as well as an additional three teacher-directed professional development days that were previously controlled by principals.
Financial Projections and Challenges
While CPS has said it can afford the first year of the contract, it’s unclear how it will pay for the rest of the deal, which in total is projected to cost $1.4 billion. Martinez has said the district’s revenues could be enough to cover the costs, but it struggles every year with a structural deficit. Potentially choppy financial waters are ahead for the district, which is projected to face at least a $500 million deficit next fiscal year.
Conclusion
The ratification of the tentative contract by the majority of Chicago teachers and support staff marks a significant step forward for the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools. Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the contract’s financial implications, the union and district have demonstrated a commitment to finding common ground and improving working conditions for educators. As the city navigates the complexities of funding and implementing the new contract, it is crucial for all stakeholders to continue working together to ensure the success of Chicago’s students and educators.
FAQs
- Q: What percentage of teachers and support staff voted in favor of the contract?
A: 97 percent of teachers and support staff who voted approved the tentative deal. - Q: What are some key provisions of the new contract?
A: The contract includes 4-5 percent annual raises, additional pay for veteran teachers, hiring more staff, and new class size limits. - Q: How will the district pay for the contract?
A: The district has said it can afford the first year, but it’s unclear how it will cover the full $1.4 billion cost over four years. - Q: What are the potential financial challenges facing the district?
A: The district projects a $500 million deficit next fiscal year and faces a structural deficit, with potential federal funding cuts looming.
