Chicago Teachers Union rejects fact-finding report, negotiations to continue
The CTU is back to square one after the group was not onboard with the fact-finding report — which would have helped put an end to their negotiations with Chicago Public Schools.
'We have no choice but to reject the fact-finder's recommendation,' said CTU staff attorney Latoyia Kimbrough.
CTU has been without a contract since June 2024.
Chicago Teachers Union holds walk-ins amid concerns over Trump immigration policies, CPS contract negotiations
In January, both sides submitted their arguments to a mediator who comes up with recommendations to help lock down a contract.
While some recommendations were given, there are multiple areas that still need serious consideration.
CTU has rejected every fact-finding report since 2010. Despite rejection this week, CTU said this is by far the best fact-finding report they've ever received.
CTU has demanded limited class sizes for more personal interaction, raising salaries, increasing prep time in staffing levels and teacher evaluation system reform.
The fact-finder layed out what CPS can do, such as:
Increase compensation for veteran teachers
Increase librarians
Codify equity staffing model
Maintain stipend for English Language Program teachers
Hire more family engagement coordinators
CTU and CPS are now entering a 30-day cooling off period, after which the union can issue a 10-day strike.
The earliest the teachers can strike would be mid-March.
The last time CTU went on strike was in 2019 and 11 days of class were cancelled. CTU is hoping it doesn't come to this again.
CPS released the following statement regarding the fact-finder report:
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) respects the thorough and objective analysis of the neutral factfinder, and 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.
The report commends the District's 'admirable record in the delivery of educational services,' naming CPS as 'one of the top and most improved large urban school districts in the country.' The report also underscores the financial obstacles faced by the District, a sentiment that was corroborated by an independent review by the Civic Federation.
The District's approach to negotiations remains fully student-centered, prioritizing the preservation and enhancement of robust programs that have supported CPS' impressive academic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. CPS is dedicated to providing educators with the compensation, tools, and resources they deserve, ensuring this is achieved in a sustainable and fiscally responsible manner.
We agree with the neutral factfinder's hope, 'that this report will help facilitate the parties to reach agreement on their CBA so that they can continue the amazing job they are doing in serving our City's most precious resource, its school children.'
Chicago Public Schools
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