How the Chicago Teachers Union Always Gets Its Way

📢 Chicago Teachers Union 2025-2028 Contract Negotiations: What's on the Table? 🏫

🔍 As negotiations commence, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) presents extensive demands potentially costing billions. With Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former union activist, representing the city, the stakes are high.

📊 Cost Breakdown:

Minimum Salary Increases: 9% yearly cost-of-living adjustments estimated at $2.52 billion.

Step Increases for Experience: $817 million.

Enhanced Stipends: 15% salary bump for National Board Certified Teachers, potentially $2 billion.

Additional Personnel: Hiring 4,650 staff including teachers assistants and specialists, costing $1.7 billion.

Student Benefits: Free CTA passes and reduced class sizes could cost over $643 million.

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🏢 Beyond Traditional Bargaining:

Housing Initiatives: Demands include 10,000 new affordable housing units and extensive rental assistance, totaling up to $4.7 billion.

Health and Wellness: Full funding for infertility and abortion care, weight-loss treatments including Ozempic, and other extensive health services.

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🚌 Infrastructure and Environment:

Electric School Buses: Transition to an electric fleet could reach $500 million.

Green Initiatives: Proposals for carbon neutrality by 2035 with solar installations and green tech education programs.

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📈 The implications of these demands could significantly affect Chicago's educational budget and taxpayer expenses, amidst ongoing debates over the effectiveness of such spending against declining student outcomes.

💬 Chicagoans are closely watching how these negotiations will impact the city's educational future and financial health.

👀 Stay informed on this critical topic as we continue to provide updates.

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