Chicago Teachers Union leaders on Thursday said negotiations for a new teacher’s contract are at a standstill.
CTU President Stacy Davis Gates claimed that Chicago Public Schools’ negotiators now say they need the Board of Education’s approval to move forward on economic proposals. Gates says this contradicts a Christmas Eve ruling by a Cook County judge that barred board members from negotiating with the CTU without the approval of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez.
“Either the Board of Education and Pedro are working together on this contract, or Pedro is working alone on this contract,” Davis Gates said. “Whatever it is, we need to have a clear understanding of who has the authority and the decision making.”
In a statement, CPS officials didn’t address whether their negotiators need board approval on economic matters. But they said they were committed to negotiating with the CTU and reaching a deal.
“The District’s bargaining members continue to meet with CTU’s team four-to-six days a week, bringing wholehearted efforts to reach a fair and sustainable agreement — one that recognizes the dedication and contributions of educators while also maintaining the District’s financial solvency, aligning with the District’s five-year strategic plan, and above all, supporting a rigorous, equitable, and joyful learning experience for all students,” CPS said in the statement.