Chicago Teachers Union, SEIU, unions that helped elect Mayor Brandon Johnson, at odds over contract proposal

CHICAGO (WLS) — Two of the unions that helped get Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson elected are now at odds.

The Service Employees International Union said it’s under attack by the Chicago Teachers Union.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

There’s concern about the impact that could have on jobs.

The two unions are now at odds over a CTU contract proposal that SEIU said would take thousands of members away from Local 73.

Stacia Scott Kennedy, executive vice president of SEIU Local 73, expressed concern about the impact of the situation on the integrity of their bargaining unit that they have represented for more than 20 years. She described the current state of affairs as a threat, often referred to as a raid in such cases.

Despite efforts by her union to engage with the CTU regarding contract negotiations with Chicago Public Schools over several months, Scott Kennedy highlighted that these attempts have not been successful. Consequently, the SEIU State Local Council recently approved a resolution, stating that the organization feels “under attack” by the CTU.

The situation has escalated to the point where 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez expressed disappointment and described it as unfortunate that the SEIU had to resort to drafting, voting on, and passing a resolution to address the issue at hand.

Progressive Alderman Vasquez and others say for the sake of union solidarity in Chicago, the dispute must be worked out.

“It is extremely unusual for unions to be in a public fight like this and for one union challenge another, especially if they’re politically aligned,” ABC7 Chicago political analyst Laura Washington said.

The conflict is over CPS special education classroom assistants, known as SECAs. SEIU has jurisdiction over 7,200 aides.

“SECAs are there to service students with disabilities, and they are not there to make copies or do bulletin boards or teach or recess or lunch monitoring,” Scott Kennedy said.

Scott Kennedy said the union wants to diminish special education assistants’ roles in helping students with personal hygiene and feeding. CTU’s contract demand calls for teaching assistants to help with the education part of it. CTU originally turned down jurisdiction over SECAs.

“In 1999, the position was created. CPS decided that there was a need for the position. They first went to the Chicago Teachers Union, and the Chicago Teachers Union said they weren’t interested,” Scott Kennedy said.

Scott Kennedy said if CPS agrees to CTU’s contract demand, SEIU Local 73’s membership could possibly dwindle to 500 people.

In a statement, CTU said all they are asking for is before assigning a SECA to every special ed student, CPS should evaluate the needs of the student, on whether a SECA or teacher’s aide is necessary.

CTU said it will continue to collaborate closely with SEIU.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Truth behind America's most unlikely love story: Why I married a face transplant survivor... and am ready for more

The real story behind an unlikely love affair in America: How I embraced a face transplant survivor and am open to a future together

For Jessica DiMeo, it was one of the most uncomfortable evenings she’d…
Michigan judge's order for Walmart shoplifters to wash cars squashed by his boss

Michigan Judge’s Directive for Walmart Shoplifters to Clean Cars Overruled by Superior Officer

A Michigan judge sought to have Walmart shoplifters offer free car washes…
Cuba still largely without power after nationwide grid collapse

Cuba experiencing widespread power outage after country-wide grid failure

On Saturday morning, Cuba was still facing a major power outage due…
Glamorous model who's had over 25 cosmetic surgeries reveals the common procedures you should NEVER get... but can you guess her age?

Discover the age of a glamorous model with over 25 cosmetic surgeries and learn about the procedures you should avoid at all costs. Can you guess how old she is?

Sandra Lena Silverman knows a thing or two about cosmetic surgery. The Miami-based…
Lucy Hale Says She Auditioned For ‘Hannah Montana’ Before Miley Cyrus: “Made Me Want To Be An Actress”

Lucy Hale Reveals She Tried Out for ‘Hannah Montana’ Before Miley Cyrus and It Inspired Her to Pursue Acting

Lucy Hale is commonly known for being the unofficial leader of the…
No Big Surprise: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Office Helping Illegal Aliens Evade ICE Repatriation Efforts

AOC reacts to Kyrsten Sinema pointing out her double standards, and AOC might regret it.

It was quite a sight to see Democrats, who had been fiercely…
Joshua Riibe faces biggest legal hurdle yet since student Sudiksha Konanki vanished from Punta Cana beach

Joshua Riibe deals with significant legal challenge after the disappearance of student Sudiksha Konanki at Punta Cana beach

Joshua Riibe, a tourist, found himself in a challenging situation when he…
Chicago Bulls championship banners damaged by Disturbed heavy metal rock concert fire pyrotechnics at United Center

Disturbed rock concert fireworks cause damage to Chicago Bulls championship banners at United Center

CHICAGO — All six of the Chicago Bulls’ championship banners were removed…
Hilarious New Book Excerpt About Kamala and 'Chairs' Proves Just How Lucky Americans Are She Lost

Funny New Book Preview About Kamala and ‘Seats’ Shows Americans’ Good Fortune in Her Defeat

Let’s face it.  Kamala Harris proved to be an unsuccessful candidate during…
Greenland government calls Trump's acquisition talks 'unacceptable'

The Greenland government criticizes Trump’s proposal discussions as ‘not acceptable’

The government of Greenland called President Donald Trump’s comments about taking control…
Killing site in Jalisco, Mexico is just the latest in a long series of gruesome discoveries

Recent Brutal Findings in Jalisco, Mexico Demonstrate Ongoing Pattern of Violence

This week, prosecutors in western Mexico confirmed the discovery of hundreds of…
Six people killed in monster storms affecting 138M people as tornadoes and fires threaten dozens of states

Fatalities reported as severe storms impact 138 million individuals with tornadoes and fires endangering multiple states

At least six people have died in severe storms as tornadoes and…