Members have posed a number of questions repeatedly in meetings about the new reopening agreement. This FAQ is an effort to answer some of the most common questions and points of confusion. Check back often; we are adding content all the time!
In an attempt to intimidate educators out of exercising their rights, CPS management has sent new communications changing policies and denying legitimate requests. Below you will find guidance on responding to some of the most common situations that members are experiencing as the mayor recklessly pushes forward with a plan rejected by the vast majority of educators, parents, and principals.
After a year of challenges, LSCs came out strong in the fight against the unsafe, reckless CPS reopening plan.
The Union and our rank-and-file members have initiated a multi-pronged strategy to push back on discipline cases against members in retaliation for their activism around its efforts to force educators back into school buildings. It is already having an effect. As of today, CPS has dropped an additional 21 of the 55 cases, leaving 34 outstanding.
CTU has filed a grievance over the CPS directive to principals that they cannot permit educators to work remotely even if they have no in-person students, unless they have applied for an accommodation. It is a clear violation of our Memorandum of Agreement on Resuming In-Person Instruction.
We’re all in this together now. And whatever comes next, when we move, we move together.
CTU members have voted to act for safety by all working remotely rather than complying with CPS orders for K-8 educators to work in unsafe buildings. We will also all respond to CTU retaliation (if there is any) with a strike. Many members still have questions. The answers below are meant to address concerns and confusion members have raised with us, so far.
As of today, our action is on as voted on by Chicago Teachers Union membership last weekend.
Download this virtual background to show you’re teaching remotely in solidarity with Clerks, Tech Cos, Clinicians, Pre-K to 8th Grade and Cluster teachers.
Chicago Teachers Union members have voted to authorize all rank-and-file educators in Chicago Public Schools to conduct remote work only, starting tomorrow, Jan. 25, 2021.
