The Latest Breaking News from Chicago Teachers Union

Johnson’s momentum could land him in April 4 runoff with Vallas, analyst says

David Axelrod has helped to elect mayors, senators and the nation’s first Black president. While not ready to “write the epitaph” of incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot, he said: “She definitely has a very, very steep uphill climb.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 23, 2023

Garcia questions whether Johnson, a CTU organizer, can be an objective mayor

Brandon Johnson is a paid organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union who helped lead it in two strikes and two job actions since 2012.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 17, 2023

Nine mayoral hopefuls offer plans to handle shrinking CPS enrollment, elected school board, union friction

Voters face a long list of candidates for Chicago mayor, some with vastly different views on public schools, and longstanding history, for better or worse, with the district.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 5, 2023

Congressman Jonathan Jackson endorses mayoral challenger Brandon Johnson

The son of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. said he has “enormous respect” for U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and considers him a “dear friend.” But Jonathan Jackson said Garcia’s belated entry into the race forced him to make a choice that was not a difficult one, given…

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 16, 2023

Teachers union says Lightfoot pulls offer of 12 weeks of parental leave for CPS employees

The mayor last year gave 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all 32,000 city employees. Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates says the same offer was made to CPS teachers and staff, something the mayor’s office denies.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 6, 2023

Union calls for blood tests, CPS plan after lead found at Bridgeport school

Chicago Teachers Union also wants the school district to develop an expedited testing process for lead contamination after high levels are found at McClellan Elementary.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 19, 2022

Workers’ rights amendment wins place in Illinois Constitution

One week after the election, the Associated Press on Tuesday reported that the workers’ rights amendment was approved by more than 50% of all votes cast last week — securing its passage.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 16, 2022

CPS faces $600M financial cliff as costs shift to schools with no long-term funding plan in place

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has moved millions in pensions and other costs to CPS before it becomes independent, run by an elected board. Those new payments and longstanding financial challenges could lead to dire choices once federal pandemic relief runs out.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 6, 2022

Brandon Johnson, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot’s newest progressive challenger, contends she’s ‘disconnected ... with working people’

CHICAGO — Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson will run for Chicago mayor, adding another progressive challenger to the field of 2023 candidates and raising the prospect of a rematch between the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Chicago Tribune · Oct 28, 2022

Amendment ‘right thing’ for workers? Or ‘government union power play’? Proposal stirs debate on union rights, worker safety

Supporters say the amendment will enshrine collective bargaining rights as fundamental Illinois law and help workers bargain for measures that affect public safety. Detractors call it a power grab by organized labor that will raise the cost of government and, therefore, property taxes.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 27, 2022