Chicago Teachers Strike Threat Elevated as CTU Leader Cries Foul
Union Warns of Strike Vote as Arbitrator’s Recommendations Loom
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) warned Thursday that the arbitrator who will issue recommendations in the ongoing contract battle between the union and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is limited by law in what he can consider, paving the way for a potential strike vote.
Limitations of the Law
According to CTU leaders, state law is “stacked against” the union and has become a perfunctory step. “It is deeply frustrating [to be at this point],” said CTU President Stacy Davis Gates. “To force our hand to take a strike vote is a very cruel and mean joke.”
Fact Finder’s Recommendations
The two sides have 15 days to decide whether to reject or accept the fact finder’s findings. Though the union must wait 30 days to actually strike, it can take a strike vote any time after rejecting the findings.
CPS CEO’s Take
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said he does not think the school district is moving toward a strike but said he is worried parents are getting frustrated with the bickering between the school district and the union. Martinez said he hoped the arbitrator would help both sides agree on a “mutual set of facts so they can move forward in a productive way.”
Disagreements and Proposals
Both sides have agreed on some big items, including health care provisions for staff, more planning time for special education staff, and more staff to serve bilingual students. However, they have yet to come to agreement on raises for teachers, class-size caps for middle school students, and some key noneconomic issues important to teachers, such as planning time and evaluations.
Contract Demands
The school district has offered 4% raises each year for the four-year contract. CTU wants 5% the first two years and 4% in years 3 and 4. The union also wants more veteran teachers to get salary increases based on experience, a proposal that CPS has thus far rejected.
CTU’s Concerns
CTU leaders say the law calling for fact finding was written by former mayoral foe Rahm Emanuel, who ensured it was advantageous to the school district. For example, it instructs the fact finder to compare the salary offer for CTU staff with those in the 10 largest school districts in the U.S., “four of which are in non-union school districts in Right to Work Republican states,” said CTU deputy general Thad Goodchild.
Arbitrator’s Limitations
The law instructs the fact finder to only consider whether the school district has the “financial ability to fund the proposals based on the existing available resources, ensuring that such ability is not based on assumptions of the lines of credit, reserve funds, or the expectations of receiving new or increased sources of revenue.”
Conclusion
The standoff between the CTU and CPS continues, with the union threatening a strike vote if the fact finder’s recommendations are rejected. The outcome is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the tension between the two sides will continue to escalate until a contract is reached.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of the contract negotiations between the CTU and CPS?
A: The two sides have agreed on some big items, but are still at odds over raises for teachers, class-size caps, and other noneconomic issues.
Q: What is the timeline for the fact finder’s recommendations?
A: The fact finder is expected to issue recommendations in early February. The two sides have 15 days to decide whether to reject or accept the findings.
Q: What are the consequences if the CTU rejects the fact finder’s recommendations?
A: The CTU can take a strike vote at any time after rejecting the findings.
