The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is currently negotiating a new contract with the public schools system, calling for an additional $50 billion to cover wage increases and other demands such as fully paid abortions for members, migrant services, and LGBT-related requirements. Despite these demands, only 21% of the city’s eighth graders are proficient readers, highlighting the union’s underwhelming results. Union President Stacy Davis Gates is pushing for a plan that includes 9% wage increases each year until 2028, potentially doubling the average teacher’s salary to $144,620 a year, far exceeding the median household income in Chicago. The union’s demands also include stipends for teachers and counselors and bonuses for long-serving employees.
The CTU holds significant influence in city politics, with deep ties to Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former CTU legislative coordinator. The union has poured millions of dollars into Johnson’s campaign, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The leaked demands from CTU address health care disparities, with full coverage benefits for abortion care and fertility treatment. The union also seeks to allocate funds to support migrants, providing financial assistance for academics, transportation, and mental health counseling. Additionally, CTU wants unused school facilities to be converted into housing for migrants and mandates annual training on LGBTQ+ issues for educators.
The union’s demands have been criticized for prioritizing a political agenda over supporting teachers and improving education for Chicago students. Mailee Smith, senior director of labor policy at the Illinois Policy Institute, has called for Mayor Johnson to recuse himself from contract negotiations. Smith argues that the demands are excessive and beyond the traditional scope of bargaining, potentially leading to increased taxes for residents to fund these demands. The union’s push for social justice provisions, such as gender-neutral bathrooms and non-disclosure policies for students rejecting their sex, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about taxpayer funds being used for political activism.
The average salary for teachers in Chicago Public Schools is already among the highest in the country, with the district spending over $21,000 per student last year, well above the national average. Despite these high costs, student performance remains low, indicating a need for greater accountability and efficiency in the education system. The leaked demands from CTU highlight the union’s focus on advancing social justice issues and expanding benefits for its members, raising questions about the union’s priorities and the impact on taxpayers. As negotiations continue, the future of the contract and its implications for Chicago’s education system remain uncertain.
Overall, the Chicago Teachers Union’s demands for a new contract have sparked controversy and debate, with critics questioning the union’s priorities and the potential impact on taxpayers. The union’s focus on social justice and political activism has drawn scrutiny, with concerns raised about the transparency and accountability of these demands. As negotiations progress, the balance between supporting teachers, improving education outcomes, and responsible use of taxpayer funds will be crucial in determining the outcome of the contract and its implications for Chicago’s public schools.
