Introduction to the Unions’ Rally
Labor unions representing Chicago teachers and firefighters are now rallying together to apply new pressure on the city to conclude long-running contract negotiations with both groups. The Chicago Teachers Union is reportedly on the cusp of reaching a deal in negotiations that have gone on for almost a year, while the fire union has been without a contract for more than three and a half years.
Background on the Unions’ Situation
The CTU and Chicago Fire Department Union Local 2 joined together for a rally Monday on the Near West Side near Fire Department Engine 103 and Whitney Young High School, highlighting the urgency of new contracts and the similarities between the two groups seeking them. “Public safety, teachers — we all work hand in hand,” said Pat Cleary, Fire Union Local 2 president.
Solidarity Between the Unions
Cleary described a strong sense of solidarity between the two unions that has persisted for years. During the 2012 teachers strike, firefighters marched with CTU members and protested alongside them in Springfield. Cleary said the Monday rally came together after CTU President Stacy Davis Gates called him Friday. “We said, ‘Let’s put some pressure on the city,’” Cleary said.
The Impact on Families and Communities
On Monday, demonstrators said many CTU members have firefighters in their families. Nora Flanagan, a CPS English teacher and CTU organizer, said she is married to a Chicago firefighter and has seen firsthand how tight budgets and staffing shortages have harmed both professions. “This isn’t just a job for either of us,” she said. “We talk at our dinner table about how firefighters need rigs that can stay in operation just like we need school buildings without lead in our drinking water and crumbling asbestos under our classrooms.”
Contract Negotiations
The teachers union and the school district have been in contentious contract negotiations for nearly a year. As of last week, the union and the district were stuck on how much preparation time elementary school teachers should have, how much veteran teachers are paid and how often highly rated teachers are evaluated by principals. The school district and the city have also been debating a $175 million pension payment for months. Last week, seven Chicago School Board members said they opposed a plan that would allow the school district to reimburse the city for the pension plan.
Fire Union Demands
The fire union has been working without a contract or a pay raise since 2021. The union’s demands include 20 additional ambulances, which would bring the city up to 100, pay raises that align with the current cost of living and phasing out rigs that are more than 30 years old. The union is also demanding that all fire engines and trucks be staffed with a minimum of five firefighters. Currently, up to 35 engines or trucks can be staffed with just four, Cleary said.
The Consequences of Inaction
Without adequate equipment and proper staffing, firefighters face burnout and response times suffer, Cleary said. Illinois’ standard EMS response time is six minutes, and the National Fire Protection Association’s is five. An analysis completed by The Trace found that Chicago EMS took more than six minutes to respond in more than one in five cases last year. Cleary estimated that the fire union has met with city representatives about 30 times over the past three and a half years. He said both sides are due to meet again next month, but recent discussions haven’t led anywhere.
Conclusion
The rally highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for the city to take action. As Flanagan said, “This city needs to take care of our firefighters and paramedics, our teachers and clinicians and paraprofessionals, because these are the people who give their all for the city of Chicago.” The city must prioritize the needs of its public servants and work towards a fair and timely resolution to the contract negotiations.
FAQs
Q: How long have the Chicago Teachers Union and the fire union been without contracts?
A: The Chicago Teachers Union has been in contract negotiations for almost a year, while the fire union has been without a contract for more than three and a half years.
Q: What are the main demands of the fire union?
A: The fire union is demanding 20 additional ambulances, pay raises that align with the current cost of living, phasing out rigs that are more than 30 years old, and a minimum of five firefighters on all fire engines and trucks.
Q: How have the contract negotiations affected the community?
A: The lack of contracts has led to staffing shortages, burnout, and increased response times for firefighters, as well as concerns about school buildings and teacher pay.
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