Chicago Public Schools, Teachers Closer To Labor Agreement
(CBS) – There may be a contract deal soon between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union.
The union said Thursday it has received an offer it characterizes as "serious."
"The basic framework calls for economic concessions in exchange for enforceable protections of education quality and job security," CTU President Karen Lewis said in a prepared statement.
She stressed the proposal needs approval from its "big bargaining team" before it goes to delegates, but Lewis noted it's a step in the right direction. The bargaining team will consider the offer Monday, she said.
CPS CEO Forrest Claypool likewise put a positive spin on negotiations with the teachers. The CPS administration served notice to hundreds of main office employees last week that they would be laid off as a move to keep cuts away from the classroom.
"This offer is a true compromise that requires sacrifices from both sides so that we can protect what is most important: the gains our students are making in their classrooms. We will continue to work around the clock to reach consensus on an agreement that is the best interests of our students, educators and parents," Claypool said in a prepared statement.
CTU members went on strike in 2012, causing embarrassment to the administration of Mayor Emanuel.
CPS has nearly 400,000 students.
