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Chicago Tribune
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Conflict between SEIU and CTU escalates with allegations of ‘bullying'
The leader of a local chapter of the Service Employees International Union on Monday issued a fiery internal message to members accusing Chicago Teachers Union leadership of 'bullying and dishonesty,' the latest escalation of a conflict between two influential labor organizations that were once close allies. SEIU 73 President Dian Palmer disputed assertions CTU president Stacy Davis Gates made in social media posts over the weekend, delivering her strongest comments yet on the monthslong dispute between the two unions over jobs at Chicago Public Schools. 'Working with CTU in 2019 was one of my proudest achievements,' Palmer wrote in the email to members. 'I have no idea why they picked this fight seemingly out of nowhere against one of their strongest allies…But I can no longer sit back and watch leadership engage in bullying and dishonesty — especially regarding our up-and-coming leaders.' In contract negotiations with CPS, CTU has proposed language that Palmer's union argues would allow certain classroom assistants who are under CTU to do work now done by special education classroom assistants represented by SEIU. Last month, SEIU 73 signed onto a statewide union resolution declaring that it was 'under attack' by CTU, a remarkable turn of events for two labor groups whose strong partnership helped elect Mayor Brandon Johnson two years ago. The conflict took another turn last week, when word began to spread about an alleged altercation between SEIU Illinois State Council Executive Director Anthony Driver and Davis Gates. In a version of the exchange Driver later confirmed on social media, Davis Gates approached Driver earlier this month at a fundraiser hosted by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch and extended her hand. Driver reached out to shake her hand but Davis Gates pulled hers back and said, 'Y'all ain't s—- and you ain't s—-,' according to the account Driver confirmed. Over the weekend, Davis Gates disputed Driver's description of the exchange, saying in a private Facebook group for CTU members that it 'did NOT happen.' She also wrote she sat down with Palmer recently and they 'agreed to NOT talk to press.' In the post, Davis Gates said she and Palmer had agreed to visit schools together to help resolve the conflict over teachers aides and special education classroom assistants. Palmer responded with an email to members on Monday saying she was surprised by the Davis Gates posts because had agreed not to make 'media posts.' But now, Palmer said in the email, 'the 'truce' has been broken.' 'I never agreed to anything that would compromise our Special Education Classroom Assistants (SECAs),' Palmer wrote. 'I made this clear in our conversation; I restated it in my letter to the CTU president in November 2024 and again when CTU sent us their proposals to settle the SECA issue. I will say it again – there will be no negotiations over the SECA position.' Palmer also defended Driver, who she called 'honest and hardworking.' 'While I did not personally hear the bullying statement that the CTU president directed at him, I saw the impact,' Palmer wrote. 'Anthony came to me directly, looking troubled, concerned not just for himself but for me as well. He wanted to make sure I knew so that I could avoid the same humiliating treatment that others had witnessed him endure.' She also took issue with Davis Gates challenging Driver's credibility: 'Let's be clear. … As black women and mothers of sons, we ought to know and thus should act better.' When asked on Thursday about Driver's description of their exchange, Davis Gates declined to comment. Driver later that evening posted on 'X 'about his encounter with Davis Gates, saying that 'it was unprovoked, unhelpful, and uncalled for.'
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Afternoon Briefing: Thornton Township trustees fire allies of Tiffany Henyard
Good afternoon, Chicago. Just over a week after a Thornton Township meeting broke out in brawl involving Supervisor Tiffany Henyard, anti-Henyard activists and others, township trustees met yesterday to discuss their budget proposal and fire two employees. Trustees Christopher Gonzalez, Stephanie Wiedeman and Carmen Carlisle required members of the public watch yesterday's special meeting from the township basement while the board convened upstairs 'to ensure a safe and orderly board meeting' following last week's chaos. Gonzalez was appointed supervisor pro tem in Henyard's absence. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History The teachers union has been negotiating its contract with Chicago Public Schools since April, and as part of its proposals has pitched language that SEIU 73 said would allow certain classroom assistants who are CTU members to do work that is currently done by special education classroom assistants. Read more here. More top news stories: On 8th day of deliberations, Madigan jury gets deep in the legal weeds 3 buildings catch fire overnight on Northwest Side in Belmont Cragin The new tariff on China will take a toll on trade between Illinois and China. It could really complicate matters for farmers in the state, who worry more retaliatory tariffs could be placed on the agricultural products they export if the nations' trade war escalates. Read more here. More top business stories: Officials say Lake County workforce outlook is strong, but warn of future challenges New Aurora fashion boutique celebrates African craftsmanship Another NBA trade deadline passed Thursday with a familiar sense of dissatisfaction in Chicago. Is that … it? Read more here. More top sports stories: Tracking the Chicago Sky's moves in free agency: Dana Evans traded to the Las Vegas Aces Tom Brady is ready for another Super Bowl debut — calling the game as Fox Sports' lead analyst Soccer Mommy's music is easy to fall in love with. It's poignant and piercing — the kind of music you'd listen to during your most vulnerable moments as a teen or young adult. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: In 'Fool for Love' at Steppenwolf, Caroline Neff takes on an iconic role Here's your Super Bowl celebrity lineup, from Taylor Swift's (possible) guests to hometown stars The International Criminal Court called on its member states to stand up against sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump, saying that the move was an attempt to 'harm its independent and impartial judicial work.' Read more here. More top stories from around the world: Judge in Boston to consider latest bid to block Trump's birthright citizenship order House GOP rushing to produce Trump's big budget bill with tax cuts, program cuts and other promises
