Chicago Public School (CPS) teachers have negotiated a new four-year contract thanks to fervent union efforts. This comes as the first negotiation to be determined without a union strike or threat of a walk-out in over ten years. Contract negotiations began last year with a record-breaking 700+ requests from union members. Though not all $10 billion worth of requests were granted, the district awarded ~$1.5 billion in additional funding to the district. With 97% of voting member approval, this deal marks a historic level of favor amongst union members.
This comes as a much-needed success amidst CPS’s recent challenges concerning the resignation of the school board, superintendent turnover, and ever-looming budget cuts. The new teacher contracts have outlined budgets for 4% annual raises, the addition of 800 teachers as well as 100 librarians, and limited class sizes. This is the first time the union was able to negotiate class size since its collective bargaining rights were limited in 1995. Chicago Teacher’s Union President Stacy Davis Gates lauds this agreement as “a step in the right direction.” The Los Angeles teacher’s union hopes to follow in Chicago’s footsteps by encouraging union organization as a means to prevent the deconstruction of its public school system.
Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266