Chicago teachers secure contract without strike for first time in over a decade
- The Chicago Teachers Union achieved a new contract with Chicago Public Schools with a 97% approval rate among voting members.
- The four-year deal includes significant salary increases and other benefits aimed at improving educational conditions.
- This contract negotiation was notable for occurring without the threat of a strike, reflecting a cooperative agreement between the teachers' union and the school district.
In April 2025, the Chicago Teachers Union ratified a new contract with Chicago Public Schools, marking a significant milestone as it is the first time in more than a decade that teachers secured a contract without the threat of a strike. With 97% of union members who voted in favor, this four-year agreement promises substantial salary increases, with raises between 4% and 5% each year, bringing median teacher pay to $98,000 starting next year and an average of approximately $110,000 by the contract's end in 2028. The deal also includes provisions such as additional preparation time for elementary teachers, hiring nearly a hundred more librarians, and reducing class sizes, demonstrating the union's commitment to enhancing educational conditions for teachers and students alike. The contract negotiations occurred against a backdrop of tension and leadership changes within the district, specifically following the firing of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez due to disagreements over funding. Union leaders highlighted their efforts to ensure equity in a district where 70% of students come from low-income families, and over 80% are Black or Latino. The deal symbolizes a significant step forward in the collaborative efforts between the union and district officials, fostering hopes for a better-funded and comprehensive education for all students in Chicago’s public school system.