Chicago firefighters union, CTU hold rally, as both call for contract deals
Over the weekend, 7 elected School Board members said they oppose making $175M pension payment
CHICAGO (WLS) -- There was a show of solidarity Monday morning, as members of the Chicago Teachers Unions said they're getting closer to reaching a deal on a new contract with Chicago Public Schools.
Members of the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local Two showed their support, with a rally held near a fire house and Whitney Young High School.
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The firefighters' union president said they too have been without a contract for four years.
"This is about unity, coming together, getting benefits. We have the same issues, staffing. They need better staffing in the classroom; we need full staffing on our engines and trucks," said Pat Cleary, president of Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local Two.
Some sticking points for CTU include prep time for elementary teachers and pay for veteran teachers.
"The people who are here today are sick of begging. They're sick of negotiations. They are sick of conversation. They are sick of phone calls. They are sick of everything except for a signed contract," CTU President Stacy Davis Gates said.
Right now, both the city and CTU say they're about $8.5 million away from an agreement.
The Chicago School Board last week delayed a key budget amendment vote until the contract is settled. The vote not only included money for a new teachers contract, but a controversial $175 million pension payment to reimburse the city of Chicago.
"Let me say this: I don't care who pays it. The city can pay it. The school district can pay it. They can figure out how to honor the workers in this city," Davis Gates said.
The city is legally obligated to make the payment because it partially covers non-CPS employees. Although, an agreement under former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration, CPS began to contribute, and Mayor Brandon Johnson continued the practice.
Over the weekend, seven elected School Board members sent a letter to the School Board president, saying they oppose making the payment.
The letter reads in part, "Any terms brought forth that suggest more borrowing and the addition of more debt to the district is not financial best practice and creates further risk to the district."
"I think that the city has been a good, solid partner with CPS, and by doing this, I think it sets up a situation whereby there'll be members of Council not wanting to give CPS anything," Budget Committee Chairman Ald. Jason Ervin said.
Ervin warns CPS is setting itself up for a challenging future with City Hall.
With seven Board members in opposition, the School Board does not have enough votes to take on the payment. So, it bounces back to City Hall.
"We're expecting the receivable to come in. It doesn't come in. We got to make an accounting adjustment on our books to comptrolling, this team have to do that," Ervin said.
Ald. Ervin did not say how city officials plan to make the accounting adjustment.
But, the city has until the end of the month to close its budget.
As of now, the city is short $175 million.
