CTU Praises Arbitrator’s Report on Contract Talks but Rejects Recommendations as Falling Short
Independent Arbitrator Finds CPS Has More Money to Offer in Contract Negotiations
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has praised an independent arbitrator’s report on contract talks with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), but has rejected the recommendations as falling short. The report found that CPS officials have more money to offer in contract negotiations than they’re letting on, representing an unexpectedly positive outcome for the union.
Arbitrator’s Report Highlights CPS’ Financial Flexibility
According to the report, CPS officials in 2012, 2016, and 2019 publicly claimed they couldn’t afford the CTU’s demands, but later acquiesced and managed to balance the school district’s budget. The arbitrator’s report pointed out that CPS has the financial flexibility to phase in staffing increases over the next four years, as the union has called for.
CTU Rejects Report, Citing Incomplete Recommendations
However, the CTU has rejected the report, citing incomplete recommendations. The arbitrator only made recommendations on two of 15 key areas of contention, choosing to send the rest back to CPS and CTU for continued negotiations. The union claims that the report is incomplete and does not address all of the issues at hand.
CPS CEO Martinez: “We’re Carefully Reviewing All Recommendations”
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez has stated that the district is “carefully reviewing all of the recommendations, including the financial, operational, and educational implications, to determine the most effective course of action for advancing negotiations.” Martinez has also said that the two sides are close to a deal and he can’t “imagine a need for a strike.”
Next Steps: 30-Day Cooling-Off Period Before Strike Authorization Vote
The rejection of the report is part of the legal process toward a CTU strike. Once either side rejects the fact-finder’s report, state law requires a 30-day “cooling-off period” before the union can strike. The CTU has not announced a strike authorization vote, but union leaders have hinted that a walkout may be necessary if a fair contract is not reached.
Conclusion
The CTU’s rejection of the arbitrator’s report highlights the ongoing tensions between the union and CPS. While the report’s findings on financial flexibility may be a positive development, the union’s concerns about staffing and compensation remain unaddressed. The next steps will be crucial in determining whether a strike will occur.
FAQs
Q: What did the arbitrator’s report find?
A: The report found that CPS officials have more money to offer in contract negotiations than they’re letting on.
Q: Why did the CTU reject the report?
A: The CTU rejected the report, citing incomplete recommendations and a lack of addressing all of the issues at hand.
Q: What are the next steps in the process?
A: The CTU will enter a 30-day “cooling-off period” before a strike authorization vote can be held.
Q: Is a strike likely to occur?
A: The CTU has not announced a strike authorization vote, but union leaders have hinted that a walkout may be necessary if a fair contract is not reached.
