Introduction to the New Contract
The members of the Chicago Teacher Union (CTU) voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying their new contract with the Public Schools of Chicago (CPS), formalizing an agreement that offers improvements for educators and students, but that leaves political agitation after themselves.
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Overview of the Voting Process
After almost a year of negotiations, 97% of the members who voted at the end of last week approved the contract, according to the union. Approximately 85% of the 27,000 members with the right to vote of the CTU participated.
Reaction from Union Leaders
At a press conference held on Monday morning, the president of the CTU, Stacy Davis Gates, said the results are the product of "democracy and commitment." He said that the union address and the members of the negotiation team have spent the last week and a half week talking to the teachers and the rest of the staff.
Comparison with Previous Contracts
The contract is the first of the CTU that is achieved without strike or strike vote in 15 years, and ratification, with a 97% approval, is much greater than other votes in that period. In 2019, 80% of vote members ratified an agreement after an 11 -day strike. In 2016, the approval was 79% and 72% in 2012.
Key Provisions of the Contract
Davis Gates said that this contract was based on previous contract agreements, which were achieved after strikes. For example, the 2019 contract established class size limits that were reduced in this contract. He remembered Karen Lewis, the venerated and deceased president of the CTU.
Reaction from Parents and Community
Chicago’s parents expressed their relief because the contract was approved without strike. Taryn Montoya, who has four children in the city’s schools, affirms that strikes are "a great disruption in everyone’s life, affecting many families, students, learning and teachers. And I think teachers are really the first. I don’t know what I would do without our teachers and all the help they provide."
Conclusion
The new contract represents a significant achievement for the CTU and its members, with improvements in salary, class size, and resources for students. The contract’s approval without a strike is a testament to the union’s commitment to democracy and collaboration.
FAQs
Q: What percentage of CTU members voted in favor of the new contract?
A: 97% of CTU members voted in favor of the new contract.
Q: How many members of the CTU participated in the voting process?
A: Approximately 85% of the 27,000 members with the right to vote of the CTU participated.
Q: What are some of the key provisions of the new contract?
A: The contract includes salary increases, reduced class size limits, additional salary for veteran educators, and increased funding for sports programs.
Q: How does the new contract compare to previous contracts?
A: The new contract has a higher approval rating than previous contracts, with 97% approval compared to 80% in 2019, 79% in 2016, and 72% in 2012.
