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Mayor Lightfoot has slashed support for girls’ flag football coaches
Will you write a letter to let Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Bears know what you think about them cutting stipends for girls flag football coaches? After the start of this year’s season, the mayor’s team sent an email to coaches, saying that the previously quoted coaching stipend amounts were incorrect and would be cut in half. Whaaaat?
read moreCelebrating our member leaders: Tara Stamps and Michelle Correa
Each week, we’re sharing stories about our amazing school leaders. This week, it’s CTU Administrator of New Teacher Development Tara Stamps and Christopher House counselor and charter organizer Michelle Correa.
Next steps in fight for parental leave
Nothing prevents expanded parental leave from happening for our educators and support staff — except for the mayor’s obvious bias towards our overwhelmingly female and female-oriented workers in our schools.
Tara Stamps creates her own legacy in honor of her mother
Being the daughter of civil rights icon Marion Stamps, Tara Stamps had some big shoes to fill. But, as an educator, organizer, two-time aldermanic candidate, brilliant orator and single mother of three, most people who know Stamps think she has some pretty big shoes of her own.
Out on the campaign trail for CTU candidates Brandon Johnson and Lori Torres
Every time CTU Vice President Jackson Potter heads out canvassing, he has doubts. Will people answer their doors? Will they take a few minutes to listen? Will it make a difference in who they vote for or the issues they prioritize? The answer is a resounding, yes!
From guest teacher to union activist, charter member Michelle Correa still loves the chaos of the classroom
Guest teaching can be a grueling, kick-you-in-the-stomach kind of experience. But CTU member Michelle Correa got her start teaching as a guest teacher and she wouldn’t have had it any other way. That’s how she fell in love with the “chaos of the classroom.”
CPS’ new calendar: has some alignment, and they refuse to bargain
Yet again, the mayor’s team at CPS has shown that they want CTU’s agreement without engaging us in collective bargaining. CPS reached out to CTU in December, shortly before the Winter Break, asking us to meet with them to get our “feedback” on the SY 23-24 calendar. We informed them that we were willing to meet to bargain with them over the calendar due to the repeal of section 4.5 of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. The mayor’s attorneys continued to deflect any bargaining obligation and said they’d “consider our input.” Their misinterpretation of their duty to bargain our calendar is another example of how the mayor’s team makes even the simplest endeavor impossible.
Petition: Black and Brown Unity in Woodlawn and throughout Chicago
Please add your name and comment to the collective letter to Mayor Lightfoot drafted by anti-racist and immigrant rights groups from throughout the city. We will deliver your signature, your comment and the letter along with others who sign on.
CTU stands with striking educators at the University of Illinois-Chicago
CHICAGO, Jan. 19, 2023 — UIC United Faculty’s strike is in its third day — and the Chicago Teachers Union is proud to continue to stand in solidarity with our fellow trade unionists who were forced onto the picket lines this week. As educators in Chicago Public...
AFT president to join CTU, allies in demanding that Lightfoot extend improved parental leave to CPS educators, support staff
Randi Weingarten, who heads up union of 1.7 million teachers and support staff, to join educators, allies to demand CPS parental leave that mirrors what mayor offered to City workers – but has now been indefinitely delayed for educators, support staff.
Jan. 19: Get lead test at meeting on winning greener, healthier school facilities
The bottom line — with news about mercury contamination at Lane that was uncovered by a science teacher, lead at McClellan, and problematic wipes — is that we know we have to be vigilant and keep ourselves safe. Please consider attending our Thursday event to get your lead test and determine how to keep the pressure on CPS to work with CTU to address systemic facility issues.
Notice of Election to Fill Citywide Delegate Vacancies
On February 6 and 7, 2023, remote nominations meetings will be held for citywide functional groups that have delegate vacancies. If there are more candidates than vacant positions, an electronic election will be held on February 13, 14, 15 and 16, 2023.
CTU, SEIU, community allies to join Brandon Johnson in honoring MLK — and to advance Dr. King’s call for economic and social justice
CTU members will join fellow trade unionists, mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson and progressive champions from across the city at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 16 to celebrate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day. After the rally, which is being held at CTU headquarters at 1901 W. Carroll, participants will fan out for door-to-door canvasing, phone banking and more for progressive candidates — including Brandon — seeking election to City Hall in the February 28 election.
Need your responses: CPS 2023-2024 Calendar Feedback Survey
CPS appears to be moving ahead with planning next year’s school calendar, and we need CTU members’ input!
Key issues raised at January 11 House of Delegates meeting
Last night, the House of Delegates held its first meeting of the new year, and delegates dug into a number of important issues that we want to summarize for members. For more details, please talk to your delegate and ask when the next union meeting in your building will take place. If you’re a delegate and need help setting up a meeting, please reach out to your Field Rep or organizer.
CTU Endorses Four More City Council Challengers
At its January 11, 2023 meeting, the Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates voted to endorse four additional challengers for City Council: Victoria “Vicko” Alvarez (15), Ronnie Mosley (21), Denali Dasgupta (39), and Nick Ward (48).
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Illinois is now “right to work for less.” Beat the anti-union attack. Join CTU!
