Citing Trump, CTU Cranks Up Pressure On School District To Settle Contract Before 2025
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has turned up the pressure on the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to settle its contract before the end of 2024, citing concerns about the potential impact of a Donald Trump presidency on students and families.
CTU Pushes for Swift Deal
After nearly seven months of contentious talks, the CTU has been pushing the district to strike a deal on its contract. The union has appealed to the school board, appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former CTU employee and close ally, to urge the administration to settle the contract. The board has responded by sending a letter to CEO Pedro Martinez, urging him to reach an agreement with the union.
Union Members and Board Members Speak Out
During a recent Board of Education meeting, several union members and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates called for a swift deal, with some members and board members expressing concerns about the potential impact of a Trump presidency on students and families.
Background
CTU and CPS have been engaged in contract talks since the spring, with the union pushing for significant increases in staffing, pay, and benefits. The district has resisted these demands, citing budget constraints and the need to prioritize other areas of the budget.
Contract Negotiations
According to CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, daily negotiations sessions are yielding progress in several areas, including the maintenance of school athletic director positions, increased stipends for coaches, and protection of principals’ ability to lead their schools. The district has also committed to keeping instructional time for students unchanged.
Concerns about the Impact of a Trump Presidency
CTU President Stacy Davis Gates has expressed concerns about the potential impact of a Trump presidency on students and families, citing the president’s mass deportation plans and other policies. The union is pushing for a swift deal to avoid disruptions to students and families.
Conclusion
The CTU’s latest push for a swift deal highlights the complex pressures affecting contract talks, including the upcoming election of a new school board and the potential impact of a Trump presidency. As the district and union continue to negotiate, it remains to be seen whether they can reach an agreement that meets the needs of students, teachers, and families.
FAQs
What is the CTU pushing for in its contract negotiations?
The CTU is pushing for significant increases in staffing, pay, and benefits, as well as protection of principals’ ability to lead their schools and maintenance of school athletic director positions.
What is the district’s position on the contract negotiations?
The district has resisted the union’s demands, citing budget constraints and the need to prioritize other areas of the budget.
What is the significance of the upcoming school board election?
The upcoming school board election may impact the outcome of the contract negotiations, as a new board with new priorities and perspectives may take office and influence the district’s decisions.
What is the potential impact of a Trump presidency on students and families?
The CTU is concerned about the potential impact of a Trump presidency on students and families, citing the president’s mass deportation plans and other policies.
