CPS Update: Chicago Teachers Union's Big Bargaining Team reviewing Chicago Public Schools contract proposals

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Teacher’s Union’s 65-person “big bargaining” team arrived at CTU headquarters on Monday with optimism about reaching an agreement on a new four-year contract.

Following a year of challenging negotiations, the focus now lies on three key unresolved issues: teacher evaluations, prep time for elementary school teachers, and increased compensation for veteran educators.

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

Vicki Kurzydlo is in her 31st year of teaching.

One of the bargaining team members, Kurzydlo, who is also a veteran teacher, emphasized the significance of addressing the concerns of experienced educators. She highlighted the role veteran teachers play in providing stability, enriching school environments, and offering valuable mentorship.

The proposed deal includes an annual 4 percent cost of living raise. It is the same offer Chicago Public Schools offered the union last summer.

CTU originally asked for 9% annual raises. In addition, the agreement calls for more school librarians, counselors and nurses: something, the union successfully received in their last contract.

“Our contracts are cumulative; so, they build off of one another. So, every single contract we win a little bit more, and we move a little bit forward. And we keep going up and up and up,” Kurzydlo

The proposed agreement came a week after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met with CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates at City Hall.

On Sunday, the former CPS teacher and CTU organizer took credit for being the first mayor in over a decade to possibly settle a contract without a strike.

“No other mayor brought Chicago Public Schools, the Board of Education, the Mayor’s office and the CTU to the table to make sure our children get exactly what they deserve, which is a fully funded well-rounded education,” Johnson said.

But, Mayor Johnson spent political capital on a tumultuous process that included an unsuccessful attempt at forcing Martinez out and the resignation of his handpicked school board. Both refused Johnson’s request to secure a short-term high-interest loan to pay for the contract and pensions. Teachers say their focus is on the classroom, not on how CPS affords the contract.

“Truthfully, I’m not, I’m not thinking about that right now. What I am thinking about is raising the floor for our students,” Kurzydlo said.

If it approves the proposals, the contract proposals will then be considered by CTU’s Executive Board.

From there, if the board approves the tentative agreement, it moves to the union’s House of Delegates for a potential vote this Wednesday.

CPS on Friday said it’s pleased with the progress, saying in part, “Our goal has always been to reach a fair contract resolution that recognizes the significant contributions of our educators while being mindful of our budgetary limitations and fiduciary responsibilities.”

CTU’s full membership would still be needed for an agreement to be final.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
New Orleans jail escapee Antoine Massey releases videos, prompting new search, source says

Antoine Massey, who escaped from a New Orleans jail, shares videos leading to a fresh search, according to a source.

A man who calls himself Antoine Massey, an escapee from a New…
Timeline exposes Boulder suspect's movements before allegedly carrying out firebomb attack on pro-Israel group

Boulder suspect’s activities revealed leading up to firebomb attack on pro-Israel organization

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Officials allege Mohamed Sabry…
Three British nationals could face death by firing squad for allegedly smuggling cocaine into Indonesia

Three UK citizens may be sentenced to death by firing squad for purportedly bringing cocaine into Indonesia

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Three British individuals could…
Trump attack dog Stephen Miller demands ICE launch raids at popular shopping destinations

Stephen Miller calls for ICE to conduct raids at popular shopping locations

According to reports, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller, has…
Taylor Swift fans fall for pregnancy rumors after singer steps out with 'baby bump'

Fans of Taylor Swift believe false rumors of her being pregnant after she is seen with a ‘baby bump’

Taylor Swift fans convinced themselves that the pop star was pregnant this…
‘MobLand’ Ending Explained: Is Harry Alive? Who’s the Winner of the Gang War?

Deciphering the Ending of ‘MobLand’: Harry’s Fate Revealed and Gang War Outcome Discussed

MobLand went out with a bang. Several bangs, actually. And a slssshh,…
Dating apps tied to kidnapping of US citizens in Mexico, embassy says, prompting security alert for travelers

US embassy issues security alert for travelers due to dating apps linked to kidnapping incidents in Mexico

The U.S. embassy in Mexico on Monday said it has confirmed reports…
Neighbor recalls Boulder terror attack suspect as a family man

Neighbor remembers Boulder terrorism suspect as a devoted family man

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Boulder, Colorado, terrorist…
Milwaukee man accused of framing illegal immigrant in Trump assassination threat, officials say

Official reports claim a Milwaukee man framed an illegal immigrant in a threat to assassinate Trump

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A man in Milwaukee…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says sense of urgency needed for IL mass transit funding as city faces budget shortfall

Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago emphasizes the need for quick action on funding for Illinois mass transit due to the city’s budget deficit.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson said creative revenue ideas are needed…
Now Will There Be Foot Traffic From Alaska to Canada?

Is There Foot Traffic From Alaska to Canada Now?

The Chilkoot Trail carries a rich history in Alaska, spanning approximately 33…
Elon Musk accelerates war over Trump's big, beautiful bill and calls to 'fire' any politician who backs plan

Elon Musk speeds up the battle against Trump’s grand bill and urges to ‘dismiss’ any politician supporting the proposal.

Elon Musk has recently intensified his opposition to Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’…