Dear Instituto Family,
We are disappointed to report that after 58 sessions, including the last 4 consecutive days (ranging 7-15+ hours each), the union has chosen to proceed with their plans to strike on February 6. In the parties’ last session yesterday, we proposed a package that made significant movement on what the union stressed were the most significant items to them, including compensation. As part of our package, the schools offered Bargaining Unit Members 92% (2021-2022 year), 97% (2022-2023), 101% (2023-2024) and 103% (2024-2025) of CPS’ salary which, per CTU’s own records, would make us competitive with our peers.
Additionally, we offered a 7% pension pick-up for licensed members, 9% for newly licensed members on the year of licensure completion, and 100% match for up to 3% of all other members’ salaries (the latter two being brand new contributions). We also committed to offering members 80/20 premium coverage on a high PPO and a low HMO plan.
Most importantly, we have continued to engage with third-party experts to correct compliance issues resulting from the collective decision of SPED bargaining unit members to jointly resign at the start of the school year. We have already reached 33 tentative agreements including sanctuary provisions which we have always supported (despite their continued lies).
CTU also keeps recycling their false narrative about Instituto finances. There is nothing problematic about our allocation of CPS funds, all of which directly benefit our students. Our audited financials are publicly available.
As you may know, CTU sent CPS a letter asking to shut us down and force our kids to transfer to other schools. We will not let CTU shut us down. We care about our students and are prepared for a strike. Our team is prepared to offer students educational programming, academic support and warm meals today and for the duration of this unnecessary strike.
We are here to answer questions you may have and are prepared to continue good faith bargaining.
Thank you for your continued support.