Chicago Teachers Union#Internal politics and organization
{{Short description|US trade union}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = Chicago Teachers Union
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| logo = Chicago Teachers Union Logo and text.png
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| abbreviation = CTU
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| formation = {{start date|1937}}
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| type = Trade union
| location = Chicago, Illinois, US
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| membership = 28,000
| membership_year = 2018
| leader_title = President
| leader_name = Stacy Davis Gates
| parent_organization = American Federation of Teachers
| secessions =
| affiliations = {{hlist | AFL–CIO | Chicago Federation of Labor | Illinois AFL–CIO | Illinois Federation of Teachers}}
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The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is a labor union that represents teachers, paraprofessionals, and clinicians in the Chicago public school system. The union has advocated for improved pay, benefits, and job security for its members, and it has opposed efforts to vary teacher pay based on performance evaluations. It also called for improvements in the Chicago schools, and asserts that its activities benefit students as well as teachers.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), pp. 3–4. "In addition to the issue of unionization, scholars have debated whether teachers joined unions to pursue monetary gains or to reform the public schools. Since teachers founded the AFT in 1916, the organization has portrayed itself as a union fighting for better salaries and benefits for its members and improvements in the public schools. Indeed, teachers' unions across the land asserted that they wanted improved pay and conditions for teachers in order to provide quality education for the students."
The CTU united several teachers' organizations in Chicago in the wake of a teachers' revolt against banks during the Great Depression. It was chartered in 1937 as Local 1 of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in which it played a founding role. It was the largest and most active AFT Local until the 1960s.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), pp. 1–2. "In the early years of the twentieth century, the center of teacher unionism was found in Chicago. [...] The CTU attracted a majority of Chicago teachers and remained the largest and most influential AFT local until the 1960s." The CTU won collective bargaining rights in 1966 and conducted several strikes during the 1970s and 1980s. In September 2012, the union began its first strike in 25 years.
The CTU is also affiliated with the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Chicago Federation of Labor, and the AFL–CIO. It has more than 25,000 members. Current officers come from the Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators, elected in 2010 to replace the longstanding United Progressive Caucus. From that point until her 2018 retirement, Karen Lewis was president. Through a successors election the new officer slate became: President Jesse Sharkey, Vice President Stacy Davis Gates, Recording Secretary Michael Brunson and Financial Secretary Maria Moreno. Following the departure of Sharkey, Stacy Davis Gates assumed the role of President on July 1, 2022.{{cite web|title=For Members » CTU Contacts|url=http://www.ctunet.com/for-members/contacts|publisher=Chicago Teachers Union|access-date=20 September 2012|archive-date=19 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919232114/http://www.ctunet.com/for-members/contacts|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Key players Sketches of negotiators in teachers contract talks|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/09/11/key-players-13/|access-date=20 September 2012|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=11 September 2012}}
Origins and founding
The CTU was preceded, in part, by the Chicago Teachers Federation (CTF), an organization of women elementary school teachers founded in 1897.{{cite web|last=West|first=Lucy|title=Chicago Teachers' Federation records, 1864-1968 (bulk 1897-1968)|url=http://chsmedia.org/media/fa/fa/M-C/CTF-inv.htm|work=Descriptive Inventory for the Collection|publisher=Chicago Historical Society|access-date=11 September 2012|date=July 1971|archive-date=12 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312002100/http://chsmedia.org/media/fa/fa/m-c/ctf-inv.htm|url-status=live}}
By the 1930s, Chicago teachers had formed several other different unions, some of which were still segregated by gender.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), p. 23. Unrest in the early 1930s united these groups, which had previously struggled to cooperate.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), p. 28. The Chicago Teachers Federation played an active role in the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and retained their status as Local 1. In 1937, Local 1 battled New York's Local 5 over whether the AFT would remain in the American Federation of Labor (AFL) or join the newer and more inclusive Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).{{cite news|title=Nation's Teachers to Debate C.I.O. Tie|newspaper=The New York Times|date=22 August 1937|page=N5|quote=As preliminary lines formed for the battle over union affiliation, it appeared certain that delegates of New York City Local 5, representing 6,000 members, would take the leadership in the drive for C.I.O. affiliation. It became equally evident that the Chicago delegation, representing 7,000 members, would fight to the last ditch to remain in the A.F.L.|id={{ProQuest|102136795}}}} (New York's Local 5 was at that time the Teachers' Union, which was soon expelled from the AFT after accusations of communism, and replaced by the more moderate United Federation of Teachers.) Soon after the convention (which decided to stay in the AFL), the Chicago Teachers Union was officially chartered by the AFT as an amalgamation of Chicago's multiple teacher unions in Chicago.{{cite news|title=Chicago Teachers Form Union To Loosen Grip of Politics|newspaper=Christian Science Monitor|date=30 October 1937|page=4|id={{ProQuest|515388274}}}}{{cite news|title=A. F. of L. Affiliate Will Charter Teachers' Union|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=13 October 1937|id={{ProQuest|181891987}}}} At this point about 3,500 teachers were members of the new Local. The Chicago Teachers Union was formally established as a merger of the Men's Teachers Union, Federation of Women High School Teachers, Elementary Teachers Union, and Playground Teachers Union at a meeting held at the Chicago Civic Opera House, immediately receiving its charter as Local 1 of the AFT.{{cite magazine |title=Education: Local No. i |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,770990,00.html |magazine=Time |access-date=15 August 2021 |date=8 November 1937}} By September 1938, it was the largest teachers union in the US, with over 8,500 members.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), p. 44. The CTF, still under the leadership of its longtime head Margaret Haley, remained separate for some years, based on concerns that the CTU would disproportionately represent the interests of males and high school teachers.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), p. 45.
Before collective bargaining: 1937–1967
When the CTU formed, teachers had become disillusioned about their status as a special class of workers.{{Opinion|date=July 2022}} Many teachers believed they faced discrimination because they were female. At the same time, some male teachers felt undervalued. Teachers also resented the constantly increasing bureaucratic control over their classrooms.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), pp. 18–21.
= Goals =
The CTU sought collective bargaining rights early on, but Superintendent William Johnson refused to grant them.{{cite news|title=Teachers' Union Rebuffed in Plea For Recognition|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=2 June 1938|page=8|id={{ProQuest|182001977}}}} The union also criticized evaluations (for teachers who wanted to become principals) that it said were administered in a corrupt fashion.{{cite news|title=Air Both Sides in Controversy Over Schools: The School Question|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=20 May 1938|pages=1, 4|id={{ProQuest|181954866}}}} By 1939, the CTU had more than doubled in size, to 8,500 members, and organized its members for actions such as mass letter-writing.{{cite news|title=Teachers Turn on Heat to Pass Pay Boost Bill: Union Starts Letter Wave Toward Springfield|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=7 June 1939|page=6|id={{ProQuest|175298294}}}}
In 1948, amid small-scale sickouts and walkouts, the CTU authorized a strike when teachers experienced still more 'payless paydays' due to city mismanagement.{{cite news|title=Chicago Teachers Payless 5 Weeks: Threaten to Strike as City Refuses to Use $9,500,000 Reserve For Salaries|newspaper=The New York Times|date=24 January 1948|page=13|id={{ProQuest|108122113}}}}{{cite news|title=Chicago Teachers VOte Strike Call: Walkout Tuesday Sanctioned By Union Unless Pay is Freed and School Budget Passed|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/108112634/|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=25 January 1948|page=20}} The strike was averted hours before it was scheduled to begin, when the school board approved a new budget and announced that the checks due to the teachers had been mailed with all possible haste.{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=John|title=Pay Teachers; Strike Off: Aldermen O.K. Record '48 Budget – Board to Consider Cut in Levy – Call School Strike Off; Pay Mailed Record Budget is O.K.'d By City|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=27 January 1948|pages=1, 12|id={{ProQuest|177541248}}}}
In addition to perennial requests for salary increases, the CTU began pushing for broader changes to Chicago's public schools. It asked the Chicago Police Department to station an officer in each of Chicago's 43 high schools; CPD refused.{{cite news|title=Police Refuse to Station Men in High Schools: Reject Request From Teachers' Union|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=22 September 1954|page=1|id={{ProQuest|178798437}}}} The CTU continued to pursue the school violence issues, arguing that teachers were being endangered by violent students.{{cite news|title=Union to Seek More Police in High Schools: Terrorist Attacks Told by Fewkes|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=1 March 1955|page=7|id={{ProQuest|179400663}}}}{{cite news|title=Teachers 'Hush Up' Violence in Chicago|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VRQfAAAAIBAJ&dq=chicago%20teachers%20union&pg=7252%2C586487|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News|date=5 February 1965|agency=AP|page=9}} During this period the union also sought shorter hours for students and teachers.{{cite news|title=Teacher Union Fights Longer Day For Pupils: OK's Increase in Hours For Instructors|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=19 February 1954|page=B4|id={{ProQuest|178672818}}}}{{cite news|title=Teachers Sign Petitions for Shorter Hours|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=3 December 1954|page=A8|id={{ProQuest|178832872}}}} It also called attention to a mounting teacher shortage, citing over a hundred classrooms without regular or substitute teachers.{{cite news|title=Cite Teacher Need as Grade Classes Grow: Shortage is Called More Serious|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=15 March 1955|page=1|id={{ProQuest|178839067}}}}
During this period, Fewkes and the CTU consistently opposed merit pay policies, proposals which would vary teachers salaries based on evaluations.{{cite news|title=Teacher Union Head Opposes Merit Ratings|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/179535769/|access-date=12 September 2012|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=23 August 1955|page=A10}}{{cite news|last=Gowran|first=Clay|title=Pay Teachers on Merit Basis? It's Ticklish Topic: Even Some Who Would Benefit Fear System|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=6 March 1959|page=15|id={{ProQuest|182281261}}}}{{cite news|title=Fewkes Rips Merit Pay Idea For Teachers: Union Chief Says It Won't Work|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=18 March 1962|page=36|id={{ProQuest|183122887}}}}
= John Fewkes and anticommunism=
The CTU's first president was John Fewkes.{{cite news|title=John M. Fewkes, 91, Teachers Union Founder|last=Heise|first=Kenan|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/07/25/john-m-fewkes-91-teachers-union-founder/|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=25 July 1992}} Fewkes had been the most prominent leader of "Voluntary Emergency Committee" (VEC), a male-dominated group that formed in 1933 and gained prominence by advocating and coordinating militant action. The VEC had been aggressive but not radical, and explicitly sought to exclude communists.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), pp. 38–39.
The union, urged on by Fewkes, participated in the AFL's anti-communist purges, and in 1941 voted 5,258 to 892 to expel the New York City Teachers Union, the New York College Teachers Union and Philadelphia Teachers Union from the AFT.{{cite news|title=Chicago Union Teachers Back Red Expulsions|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=21 May 1941|id={{ProQuest|176484275}}}} The three expelled Locals were large, representing about one quarter of the AFT's members, but the CTU was larger, and its votes were decisive in accomplishing the expulsion.{{cite news|title=Chicago Teachers Vote For Ouster: 5,258 to 892 For Dropping 3 Locals That Union Council Accused of Communism|newspaper=The New York Times|date=21 May 1941|page=25|id={{ProQuest|106074842}}}}{{cite news|title=Federation Votes 3 Teacher Unions Out As Red-Ruled|newspaper=The New York Times|date=7 June 1941|pages=1, 32|id={{ProQuest|106067900}}}}
Fewkes remained CTU President for most of this period. He left the CTU in 1943 to serve as AFT president. In 1944, he took a position with the federal War Production Board.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), p. 82. By 1947, he had returned to the CTU for a second term as its president. In 1950, the CTU governing board approved a constitutional amendment to remove limitations on presidential terms; John Fewkes was thereby allowed to run again, and remained CTU president until 1966.{{cite news|title=Teachers' Union Heads Kill Time Limit on Chief|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=22 November 1950|id={{ProQuest|178046295}}}}
=Demographics and civil rights=
Most of Chicago's public school teachers were white single women. Public school teacher was also the most common occupation for black women in Chicago, who were treated by CPS as second-class job candidates: qualified black high school teachers worked in elementary schools or as substitutes; some could not get jobs at all.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), p. 15. "Black teachers also enjoyed fewer career prospects than did white teachers. With only two black high schools in the city, DuSable and Wendell Phillips, the vast majority of black teachers worked in elementary schools even if they were trained for better-paying high school work. Out of 321 black teachers who worked in the Chicago public school system in 1934, 285 of them taught in the elementary schools. With fewer opportunities for African American high school teachers, many qualified teachers from the South had to work as substitutes or take other jobs in Chicago until teaching positions opened up for them." Teachers came from a shifting mix of white-collar and blue-collar families.Lyons, Teachers and Reform (2008), pp. 16.
=Campaign for collective bargaining=
The CTU intensified its campaign for collective bargaining rights in the 1960s, staging huge demonstrations at the Chicago Board of Education.{{cite news|title=4,000 Teachers Stage Protest March: Pay Hike, Bargaining Top Issues|newspaper=Chicago Daily Defender|date=11 January 1961|pages=1, 2|id={{ProQuest|493808486}}}} Pressure increased after the New York recognized collective bargaining rights for the UFT in 1961,{{cite news|last=Tavel|first=Emile|title=Teachers Demand Bargaining Right: Strike Threat Dangles|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/510553518/|access-date=12 September 2012|newspaper=Christian Science Monitor|date=23 August 1963|page=3}} and the CTU threatened an illegal strike in 1963–1964 if the School Board would not grant it the same status.{{cite news|title=Teacher Union Asks Board to Change Stand: Hint at Strike Vote Next Month|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=7 November 1963|page=C1|id={{ProQuest|89097422}}}} The city averted a strike by agreeing to negotiate,{{cite news|title=Strike Vote is Withheld by Teachers: Board Agrees to Bargain – School Union Delays Balloting on Strike|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=27 February 1964|page=1|id={{ProQuest|179375855}}}} and, after long delays (including litigation from a rival union, the Chicago Education Association),{{cite news|last=Yuenger|first=James|title=Delay Ruling on Vote for School Union: Board Asks Time to File Reply|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=9 October 1965|page=N3|id={{ProQuest|170023590}}}} the CTU became the official bargaining agent of Chicago teachers in April 1966.{{cite news|last=Banas|first=Casey|title=Union Elected by Teachers as Their Bargaining Agent|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=4 June 1966|page=3|id={{ProQuest|178997581}}}}
Internal politics and organization
= Caucus of Rank and File Educators =
In 2010, the Caucus of Rank and File Educators (CORE), led by President Karen Lewis gained control over the CTU by winning 60% of the vote in a run-off election.{{cite news|last=Canon|first=Ramsin|title=Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators (CORE) Takes Over Chicago Teachers Union|url=http://gapersblock.com/mechanics/2010/06/12/caucus-of-rank-and-file-educators-core-takes-over-chicago-teachers-union/|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=Gapers Block|date=12 June 2010|archive-date=10 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910082531/http://gapersblock.com/mechanics/2010/06/12/caucus-of-rank-and-file-educators-core-takes-over-chicago-teachers-union/|url-status=live}} CORE ran an aggressive grassroots organizing campaign, and took a strong stance against school privatization.{{cite news|last=Canon|first=Ramsin|title=The Education Revolt: The Chicago Model's Fallout|url=http://gapersblock.com/mechanics/2010/05/03/the-education-revolt-the-chicago-models-fallout/|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=Gapers Block|date=3 May 2010|archive-date=10 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910091406/http://gapersblock.com/mechanics/2010/05/03/the-education-revolt-the-chicago-models-fallout/|url-status=live}} CORE accused the incumbent United Progressive Caucus (UPC) of capitulating to corporate interests, silencing dissent within the union, and collaborating with the city to prevent union outreach at schools.{{cite news|last=Abowd|first=Paul|title=Chicago's Rank and File Educators Well-Positioned Against "Play it Safe" Incumbents|url=http://labornotes.org/2010/06/chicagos-rank-and-file-educators-well-positioned-against-play-it-safe-incumbents|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=Labor Notes|date=7 June 2010|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021022320/http://labornotes.org/2010/06/chicagos-rank-and-file-educators-well-positioned-against-play-it-safe-incumbents|url-status=live}}
CORE quickly took action to distinguish itself from UPC, reaffirm its grassroots support, and launch a campaign to defend public education. The new leadership cut pay for union officers and used the savings to expand outreach.{{cite news|last=Sustar|first=Lee|title=Chicago Teachers Draw a Line|url=http://www.indypendent.org/2012/08/31/chicago-teachers-draw-line|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=The Indypendent|date=31 August 2012|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006081604/http://www.indypendent.org/2012/08/31/chicago-teachers-draw-line|url-status=live}} Former CTU member John A. Ostenburg criticized Lewis and CORE in 2011 for inexperience and political recklessness, arguing that they will not successfully be able to combat Mayor Rahm Emanuel's entrenched power.{{cite news|title=Leading 'Ugly' Not The Answer For Organized Labor, Chicago Teachers Union, Karen Lewis|url=http://www.enewspf.com/component/ijoomla_archive/archive/author/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28974:leading-quglyq-not-the-answer-for-organized-labor-chicago-teachers-union&catid=88888891&Itemid=88890121|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=ENews Park Forest|date=19 November 2011|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006104629/http://www.enewspf.com/component/ijoomla_archive/archive/author/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28974:leading-quglyq-not-the-answer-for-organized-labor-chicago-teachers-union&catid=88888891&Itemid=88890121|url-status=live}} CORE represented a major bloc of dissent at the 2012 AFT convention, and held signs in protest of Race to the Top during a speech from President, then Vice President, Joe Biden.{{cite news|last=Scott|first=Norm|title=@AFT - Chicago Teachers Protest RTTT During/After Biden Speech|url=http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/2012/07/aft-chicago-teachers-protest-rttt.html|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=Ed Notes Online|date=30 July 2012|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006142717/http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/2012/07/aft-chicago-teachers-protest-rttt.html|url-status=live}}
=2018 merger with Charter Union Local=
In spring of 2018, the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Association of Charter Teachers and Staff Local 4343 voted to merge, with the charter educators forming a new division within the CTU. On December 4, 2018, CTU members at the Acero charter school network initiated the first strike at a unionized charter school in US history. The strike ended December 9, 2018, in a major victory with the strikers who won sanctuary school protections for their students, enforceable reductions in class size and parity with the existing pay scale at district-run schools.
Collective bargaining and strikes
= Strikes 1968–1987 =
Chicago teachers went on strike multiple times in the 1970s and 1980s:{{cite news|last=Schmidt|first=George N.|title=CORE hosts final 'Successful Chicago Strikes' forum following CTU notice of intent to strike.... Veteran teachers describe how CTU overcame racism and thwarted the CPS attempts to 'play the race card'|url=http://www.substancenews.net/articles.php?page=3543|access-date=12 September 2012|newspaper=Substance News|date=29 August 2012|archive-date=19 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719062254/http://www.substancenews.net/articles.php?page=3543|url-status=live}}
- 1968: "Concerned FTBs" (long-term substitutes) and others engage in wildcat strikes against school segregation and racism—particularly systemic unfairness in the certification, hiring, and promotion of black teachers.{{cite news|last=Schmidt|first=George N.|title=Strikewatch: The first Chicago strikes were 'illegal...' How Chicago teachers make a strike.... The first thing it's about is no longer working on the boss's terms for the boss's offer and taking the boss's insults|url=http://www.substancenews.net/articles.php?page=3124|access-date=12 September 2012|newspaper=Substance News|date=5 March 2012|archive-date=11 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011042722/http://www.substancenews.net/articles.php?page=3124|url-status=live}}
- 1969: Two-day strike results in salary increases, teacher aides, and class size maximum.
- 1971: Four-day strike results in salary increases and full health benefits.
- 1973: Two strikes, of 12 and 11 days, yield improved salary, benefits, preparation time, supplies, and class sizes.
- 1979-1980: Multiple strikes over a payless payday during holiday break in 1979, results in salary increase and improved sick leave and maternity/paternity leave.
- 1984: Four-day strike results in medical care increase and PAC checkoff.
- 1985: Two-day strike for salary and sick leave.
- 1987: Record-breaking 19-day strike under CTU President Jacqueline B. Vaughn wins raises and improvements to health care.
=2012 strike=
File:2012ChicagoTeachersUnionStrikeMarch.jpg on September 11, 2012|290x290px]]Under the leadership of CORE, the CTU pushed hard in negotiations with the city. Early on, the CTU made the decision to decline an offer of pay increases combined with layoffs. When the city would not agree to the CTU's core demands, including an expansion of programs like art and music at the city's most underfunded high schools, CTU members voted overwhelmingly (90% of teachers and 98% of those who cast ballots) to authorize a strike.{{cite news|last=Moran|first=Theresa|title=Chicago Teachers Say They'll Strike for the Kids|url=http://labornotes.org/2012/08/chicago-teachers-say-theyll-strike-kids|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=Labor Notes|date=28 August 2012|archive-date=13 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913053354/http://labornotes.org/2012/08/chicago-teachers-say-theyll-strike-kids|url-status=live}}
On September 10, 2012, the Chicago Teachers Union began a strike{{cite news|url=http://timeoutchicagokids.com/things-to-do/hipsqueak-blog/180381/chicago-teachers-union-rally-photos|title=Chicago teachers union rally|publisher=Time Out Chicago Kids|access-date=September 10, 2012|archive-date=October 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019085033/http://timeoutchicagokids.com/things-to-do/hipsqueak-blog/180381/chicago-teachers-union-rally-photos|url-status=live}} after CTU President Lewis declared that negotiations with the city were not succeeding.{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/09/09/160855857/no-deal-chicago-teachers-to-strike-after-contract-talks-fail|title=No Deal: Chicago Teachers To Strike After Contract Talks Fail|publisher=NPR|date=September 9, 2012|access-date=September 10, 2012|archive-date=September 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910051000/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/09/09/160855857/no-deal-chicago-teachers-to-strike-after-contract-talks-fail|url-status=live}} This strike was the CTU's first since 1987, and the first strike ever for many of the teachers involved.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/9/chicago-teachers-school-board-halt-strike-talks/57720772/1|title=Chicago teachers strike for first time in 25 years|publisher=USA Today|access-date=September 10, 2012|date=11 September 2012|archive-date=14 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914031234/http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/9/chicago-teachers-school-board-halt-strike-talks/57720772/1|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Windy City Fights Back: Live blogging the Chicago Teachers Strike|url=http://solidarity-us.org/site/node/3695|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=Solidarity|date=10 September 2012|author=Editorial Committee|archive-date=12 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912193851/http://www.solidarity-us.org/site/node/3695|url-status=live}} Regulations required them to make contract negotiations an issue in the strike, and the teachers indeed sought better pay, better benefits, and protections for teachers who lose their jobs due to school closures.
The striking teachers also wanted to call attention to a number of education issues, particularly what they defined as a broad attack on public schooling by corporate privatizers.{{cite news|title=Striking Teachers, Parents Join Forces to Oppose "Corporate" Education Model in Chicago|url=http://www.democracynow.org/2012/9/10/striking_teachers_parents_join_forces_to|access-date=10 September 2012|newspaper=Democracy Now!|date=10 September 2012|archive-date=11 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911125700/http://www.democracynow.org/2012/9/10/striking_teachers_parents_join_forces_to|url-status=live}} In particular they demand a decrease in high-stakes testing for students, and an increase in music, art, and gym programs available at public schools.{{cite news|title=Chicago Public Teachers Stage Historic Strike in Clash with Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Education Reforms|url=http://www.democracynow.org/2012/9/10/chicago_public_teachers_stage_historic_strike|access-date=10 September 2012|newspaper=Democracy Now|date=10 September 2012|archive-date=11 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911125658/http://www.democracynow.org/2012/9/10/chicago_public_teachers_stage_historic_strike|url-status=live}} They also called for smaller class sizes and paid preparation time.
On September 11, 2012, the Service Employees International Union Local 1 informed companies that some of their members might go on strike with the teachers.{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/clout/chi-some-chicago-public-schools-custodians-may-strike-20120911,0,595858.story|title=Some Chicago Public Schools custodians may strike|publisher=The Chicago Tribune|access-date=September 11, 2012|first=John|last=Byrne|archive-date=September 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911221735/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/clout/chi-some-chicago-public-schools-custodians-may-strike-20120911,0,595858.story|url-status=live}}
On September 14, 2012, the teachers reached a tentative agreement with the city, which included preferences for teachers who have been laid off due to a school closing to be hired in another school, and student test scores having less of a role in teacher evaluations than the city had originally planned.{{cite news|title=Chicago teachers reach tentative agreement to end strike|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/chicago-teachers-reach-tentative-agreement-to-end-strike/2012/09/14/b0d01452-feae-11e1-8adc-499661afe377_story.html?hpid=z4|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Lyndsey|last=Layton|date=15 September 2012|archive-date=12 December 2017|access-date=25 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084439/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/chicago-teachers-reach-tentative-agreement-to-end-strike/2012/09/14/b0d01452-feae-11e1-8adc-499661afe377_story.html?hpid=z4|url-status=live}} This tentative agreement did not hold, however, and the strike continued, at which point Mayor Emanuel announced his intention to seek a legal injunction, forcing teachers back to work.{{cite news |last=Kelleher |first=James B. |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-chicago-schools-idUSBRE88E0IV20120917 |title=Emanuel's court bid to end strike stalls, teachers call it vindictive |publisher=Reuters |date=17 September 2012 |access-date=2012-10-05 |archive-date=2012-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004014737/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/17/us-usa-chicago-schools-idUSBRE88E0IV20120917 |url-status=live }} On September 17, 2012, Mayor Emanuel's efforts to end the strike stalled as the walkout went into the second week.{{cite news|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/17/13915011-judge-declines-to-expedite-hearing-in-chicago-teacher-strike|title=Judge declines to expedite hearing in Chicago teacher strike|work=NBC News|date=September 17, 2012|access-date=September 18, 2012|archive-date=September 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919235611/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/17/13915011-judge-declines-to-expedite-hearing-in-chicago-teacher-strike|url-status=live}} Delegates from the CTU voted to end the strike on September 18, 2012.{{cite news|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/18/chicago-teachers-vote-to-end-strike/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921021314/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/18/chicago-teachers-vote-to-end-strike/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 21, 2012|title=Chicago teachers vote to suspend strike|publisher=CNN|access-date=18 September 2012|date=18 September 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/18/chicago-teachers-are-suspending-seven-day-strike/57799352/1|title=Chicago teachers suspend seven-day strike|publisher=USA Today|access-date=September 18, 2012|date=18 September 2012|archive-date=21 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921061819/http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/18/chicago-teachers-are-suspending-seven-day-strike/57799352/1|url-status=live}} Students began their return to the schools on Wednesday, September 19, 2012. The CTU was still required to ratify the contract with the Union's 29,000 teachers.{{cite news|title=School Days Resume in Chicago as the Lessons From a Strike Are Assessed|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/us/chicago-strike-ends-and-schoolchildren-return-to-class.html?ref=us|work=The New York Times|date=September 19, 2012|access-date=September 19, 2012|first1=Monica|last1=Davey|first2=Steven|last2=Greenhouse|archive-date=September 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920152905/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/us/chicago-strike-ends-and-schoolchildren-return-to-class.html?ref=us|url-status=live}}
Following the end of the strike, leaders of the Union held town hall meetings in major US cities to underscore the belief that community collaboration is key in creating beneficial changes in education, as opposed to top-down imposition by governors or mayors. The Union planned to hold town hall meetings in Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, St. Paul, and Tampa.{{cite news|title=After Chicago success, teachers unions spread their message|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/after-chicago-success-union-leaders-spread-their-message/2012/09/21/cad16290-0424-11e2-9b24-ff730c7f6312_story.html|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=September 22, 2012|first=Lyndsey|last=Layton|date=22 September 2012|archive-date=22 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122153328/http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/after-chicago-success-union-leaders-spread-their-message/2012/09/21/cad16290-0424-11e2-9b24-ff730c7f6312_story.html|url-status=live}}
=2015–2016 contract dispute (threatened strike)=
Following the expiration of the contract in June 2015, CPS teachers continued to work without a contract for a year while the union and district negotiated. In September 2016, union members voted overwhelmingly to strike if an agreement could not be reached, setting a deadline of October 11. Minutes before midnight on October 10, the district and union reached a tentative agreement, avoiding a strike.{{Cite web | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-teachers-contract-talks-20161010-story.html | title=Chicago Teachers Union, school board reach tentative contract agreement | website=Chicago Tribune | access-date=2016-11-03 | archive-date=2016-11-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104074939/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-teachers-contract-talks-20161010-story.html | url-status=live }}
= 2019 strike =
{{main|2019 Chicago Public Schools strike}}
File:Chicago Teachers Union Rally 10-14-19 3748 (48906578637).jpgAfter the expiration of the CPS contract with CTU in June 2019, a contract dispute emerged.{{Cite web|url=https://news.wttw.com/2019/08/09/fact-finder-s-report-sheds-light-ctu-contract-negotiations-cps|title=Fact-Finder's Report Sheds Light on CTU Contract Negotiations With City|last=|first=|date=2019-08-12|website=WTTW News|language=en|access-date=2019-10-14}} Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders spoke at a rally hosted by CTU and SEIU Local 73 in preparation of the strike on September 24. On September 27, 2019, CTU members voted to authorize a potential strike starting on October 17 if a contract deal is not reached.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-chicago-teachers-union-strike-vote-last-day-20190926-ilgd5djc4zcjjp5pj3gusbbxnu-story.html|title=Chicago Teachers Union votes to authorize strike; walkout could begin Oct. 7|last=Pratt|first=Hannah Leone, Gregory|date=2019-09-27|website=chicagotribune.com|access-date=2019-10-14|archive-date=2019-10-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014155436/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-chicago-teachers-union-strike-vote-last-day-20190926-ilgd5djc4zcjjp5pj3gusbbxnu-story.html|url-status=live}} The union's top priorities in contract negotiations are reducing classroom size and increasing the number of support staff (such as nurses and social workers).{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Key-Issues-in-Chicago-Teachers-Union-Strike-562933871.html|title=Key Issues in Potential Chicago Teachers Union Strike|last=|first=|date=2019-10-12|website=NBC Chicago|language=en|access-date=2019-10-14|archive-date=2019-10-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014155456/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Key-Issues-in-Chicago-Teachers-Union-Strike-562933871.html|url-status=live}} On October 16, 2019, CPS cancelled classes for October 17, 2019, in anticipation of the CTU strike.{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/10/16/770660821/chicago-cancels-public-school-classes-as-teachers-prepare-to-strike|title=Chicago Cancels Public School Classes As Teachers' Strike Looms|website=NPR.org|language=en|access-date=2019-10-17}} CTU delegates officially voted to go on strike hours afterwards.{{Cite web|url=https://wgntv.com/2019/10/16/last-day-of-negotiations-before-potential-cps-teacher-strike/|title=CTU rejects latest contract proposal, teachers to strike Thursday|date=2019-10-16|website=WGN-TV|language=en|access-date=2019-10-17|archive-date=2019-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017141127/https://wgntv.com/2019/10/16/last-day-of-negotiations-before-potential-cps-teacher-strike/|url-status=live}} Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that CPS would not add any makeup days for any school days lost during the strike, stating that "There's no plan to make up any days... We want to make sure we get a deal done." At the time, Illinois state law required that all school districts in Illinois include at least 176 days in the school year. Lightfoot's decision broke this mandate, as the 2019–2020 school year was exactly 176 days long. Additionally, it was noted that teachers could lose pay if the strike days were not added back to the district calendar.{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/10/3/20897902/cps-teachers-strike-lightfoot-lori-chicago-public-ctu|title=Kids rejoice: CPS won't add makeup days if teachers strike, Lightfoot says|last=Issa|first=Nader|date=2019-10-03|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en|access-date=2019-10-17|archive-date=2019-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017141109/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/10/3/20897902/cps-teachers-strike-lightfoot-lori-chicago-public-ctu|url-status=live}}
On Thursday, October 17, 2019, teachers took to picket lines early in the morning, and the CTU stated that it planned to resume negotiations with the city at Malcolm X College.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-cps-strike-chicago-teachers-union-updates-20191016-mo2oqq4fxbezxct62kijuujzeq-story.html|title=Chicago Teachers Union strike updates: CPS teachers join picket lines across the city as negotiations are set to resume|website=chicagotribune.com|access-date=2019-10-17|archive-date=2019-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017091506/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-cps-strike-chicago-teachers-union-updates-20191016-mo2oqq4fxbezxct62kijuujzeq-story.html|url-status=live}} Later that afternoon, CPS announced that classes had been cancelled for the following day, as even though negotiations seemed to be progressing, there was no foreseeable agreement in the near feature. On Friday, October 18, 2019, teachers continued on the second day of the strike, meaning that students had attended school two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) out of the five days from October 14–18 (CPS students did not go to school on Monday due to the observance of Columbus Day).{{Cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/5627963/|title=Chicago Teachers Strike: Thousands of teachers to return to picket lines for 2nd day Friday, CPS classes remain canceled|date=2019-10-18|website=ABC7 Chicago|language=en|access-date=2019-10-18|archive-date=2019-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018151141/https://abc7chicago.com/5627963/|url-status=live}} That weekend, CTU and CPS continued negotiating. While both sides noted progress over Saturday, Lightfoot noted that she would be "...very surprised if classes [would] open on Monday."{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2019/10/20/20923461/chicago-teachers-union-strike-day-4-negotiations-continue-monday-classes-uncertain|title=CTU strike, Day 4: Talks continue, but Monday classes still uncertain|last=Wittich|first=Jake|date=2019-10-20|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en|access-date=2019-10-22|archive-date=2019-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021211120/https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2019/10/20/20923461/chicago-teachers-union-strike-day-4-negotiations-continue-monday-classes-uncertain|url-status=live}} The following day, Sunday, October 20, 2019, CPS canceled school for Monday the 21st. Even though tentative agreements had been made on eight points, CPS canceled school for Monday as CTU had not voted to end the strike yet.{{Cite web|url=https://wgntv.com/2019/10/20/classes-not-anticipated-to-resume-monday-as-teachers-contract-talks-continue/|title=CPS cancels classes Monday as teachers' strike, contract talks continue|date=2019-10-20|website=WGN-TV|language=en|access-date=2019-10-22|archive-date=2019-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021212457/https://wgntv.com/2019/10/20/classes-not-anticipated-to-resume-monday-as-teachers-contract-talks-continue/|url-status=live}}
On Monday, October 21, 2019, CTU members entered the third school day and second calendar week of the strike. Negotiations between CPS and CTU continued, and Lightfoot sent the union a letter asking them to end the strike while negotiations continued. CTU president Jesse Sharkey noted that "...the letter [from Lightfoot] I received today dashed my hope for a quick settlement." That afternoon, Mayor Lightfoot canceled CPS classes for Tuesday, stating that "...CTU has not scheduled a House of Delegates vote, which would be necessary to end their strike... As a result, it will not be possible to hold classes tomorrow."{{Cite web|url=https://wgntv.com/2019/10/21/3rd-day-without-classes-for-cps-students-as-teachers-strike-continues/|title='We are likely not going to see a quick settlement': Tuesday classes canceled as CPS strike drags on|date=2019-10-21|website=WGN-TV|language=en|access-date=2019-10-22|archive-date=2019-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021224410/https://wgntv.com/2019/10/21/3rd-day-without-classes-for-cps-students-as-teachers-strike-continues/|url-status=live}} The next day, Tuesday, October 22, 2019, negotiations continued, and 2020 democratic presidential primary candidate Elizabeth Warren joined the striking teachers. Later, Mayor Lightfoot canceled CPS classes for Wednesday, October 23, stating once again that "...CTU has not scheduled a House of Delegates vote, which would be necessary to end their strike... As a result, it will not be possible to hold classes tomorrow."{{Cite web|url=https://wgntv.com/2019/10/22/elizabeth-warren-to-rally-with-ctu-as-teachers-strike-enters-6th-day/|title=Wednesday classes canceled as CTU members rally in downtown Chicago|date=2019-10-22|website=WGN-TV|language=en|access-date=2019-10-23|archive-date=2019-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022201043/https://wgntv.com/2019/10/22/elizabeth-warren-to-rally-with-ctu-as-teachers-strike-enters-6th-day/|url-status=live}} It was noted that on Tuesday, negotiations appeared to be "at an impasse", and the majority of CTU's 40-person bargaining team was not expected to return to the negotiating table. CTU President Sharkey expressed that the proposed contract did "...not have adequate enforcement mechanisms on staffing."{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/CPS-Cancels-School-Wednesday-as-Teachers-Strike-Continues-563652011.html|title=CPS Cancels Classes Wednesday as Teachers Strike Continues|website=NBC Chicago|language=en|access-date=2019-10-23|archive-date=2019-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023181907/https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/CPS-Cancels-School-Wednesday-as-Teachers-Strike-Continues-563652011.html|url-status=live}} After negotiations had ended Tuesday evening, several issues remained unresolved, such as class-size caps, the duration of the contract, salaries, and health benefits. At this point, teachers planned to keep the strike going until at least Thursday the 24th, or longer if necessary.{{Cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/5640234/|title=Chicago Strike: CPS teachers march in Loop during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's address, Chicago Public Schools classes canceled|date=2019-10-23|website=ABC7 Chicago|language=en|access-date=2019-10-23|archive-date=2019-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023161407/https://abc7chicago.com/5640234/|url-status=live}} On Wednesday, October 23, 2019, negotiations continued at Malcolm X College. Teachers only picketed in front of schools until 8:00 a.m. local time. Then, they proceeded to rally in the downtown Loop and converge in front of the city hall.{{Cite web|url=https://wgntv.com/2019/10/22/elizabeth-warren-to-rally-with-ctu-as-teachers-strike-enters-6th-day/|title=Wednesday classes canceled as CTU members rally in downtown Chicago|date=2019-10-22|website=WGN-TV|language=en|access-date=2019-10-24|archive-date=2019-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023150927/https://wgntv.com/2019/10/22/elizabeth-warren-to-rally-with-ctu-as-teachers-strike-enters-6th-day/|url-status=live}} Lightfoot presented her 2020 city budget plan Wednesday evening, at the end of the fifth school day of the strike. Emails and phone calls were disseminated to students and parents, informing them that classes were canceled for Thursday, October 24, as both the CTU and CPS still did not expect an agreement any time soon.{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/10/23/cps-ctu-teachers-strike-sixth-day-classes-cancelled/|title=CPS Cancels Class For Thursday, Following Massive Rally By Striking Teachers Downtown|date=2019-10-23|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-24|archive-date=2019-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024142712/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/10/23/cps-ctu-teachers-strike-sixth-day-classes-cancelled/|url-status=live}} The following day, on Thursday the 24th, teachers returned to the picket lines at 7:00 a.m., and the president of the Flight Attendant's Union, Sara Nelson, was expected to join the striking teachers to show support. CTU also scheduled civil disobedience training for its members at the CTU headquarters at 3:00 p.m., suggesting a prolonged strike.{{Cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/5643109/|title=Chicago Strike: Negotiations continue for 8th day as CTU plans civil disobedience training. Chance the rapper wore a Chicago Teachers Union shirt on SNL in support.|date=2019-10-24|website=ABC7 Chicago|language=en|access-date=2019-10-24|archive-date=2019-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024151346/https://abc7chicago.com/5643109/|url-status=live}} On October 29, The CTU and SEIU marched to the Sterling Bay headquarters to demand that the development return TIF funds given to the company that should have gone to schools.{{Cite web|url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/10/29/9-teachers-union-protesters-arrested-outside-sterling-bays-west-loop-office/|title=9 Teachers Arrested Outside Sterling Bay's West Loop Office|website=Block Club Chicago|date=29 October 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-31|archive-date=2019-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031200325/https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/10/29/9-teachers-union-protesters-arrested-outside-sterling-bays-west-loop-office/|url-status=live}} At the development, 9 CTU members were arrested when they did a sit-in located in the lobby of the Sterling Bay Headquarters. Chicago police said they were called just before 2 p.m. to a building in the 1300 block of West Fulton "where numerous individuals were inside and refusing to leave."
"Police gave the offenders warnings to leave the building, which were refused," a statement from Chicago Police News Affairs read.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/CTU-Protesters-Arrested-During-Demonstration-at-Sterling-Bay-564052551.html|title=Protesters Arrested During CTU Demonstration at Sterling Bay|website=NBC Chicago|date=29 October 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-10-31|archive-date=2019-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030202444/https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/CTU-Protesters-Arrested-During-Demonstration-at-Sterling-Bay-564052551.html|url-status=live}} Finally, during a House of Delegates vote in October 30, the union agreed to accept a tentative agreement in a 362–242 vote.{{Cite tweet|user=MaryAnnAhernNBC|number=1189724270655688704|title=Vote 362 yes // 242 no to accept tentative agreement // But teachers will continue strike until deal on making up days of strike — which will be 11 tomorrow|last=Ahern|first=Mary Ann|date=2019-10-30|language=en|access-date=2019-10-31}} A press conference later that night reinforced the mayor's stance that the days missed during the strike would not be made up.
References
=Footnotes=
{{Reflist|30em}}
=Bibliography=
- Lyons, John F. Teachers and Reform: Chicago Public Education 1929–1970. Urbana & Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 2008. {{ISBN|978-0-252-03272-1}}.
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website}}
- {{LittleSis}}
=Images=
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20140804172721/https://reuther.wayne.edu/node/709 Photo of 1933 teacher uprising] hosted by the Walter Reuther Library at Wayne State
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20150202055809/http://reuther.wayne.edu/node/7306 Photo of President Fewkes leading a 1965 CTU meeting] hosted by the Walter Reuther Library at Wayne State
- [https://www.flickr.com/photos/32225081@N07/with/7072480979/#photo_7072480979 Pictures of the 1980s teacher strikes] posted to Flickr by "union person"
{{Chicago Teachers Union}}
{{Chicago Public Schools}}
{{Chicago Public Schools protests|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:American Federation of Teachers
Category:Chicago Public Schools
Category:Education trade unions