Strike Looms for CCC Educators
By Matt Ramsey
Staff Writer
A looming City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) teacher’s strike could affect as many as 60,000 students amid spiraling enrollment numbers and two years of pandemic readjustment and woes.
“I know many students here who see their education as their last chance to make a better life for themselves. Many students have tried before, only for life to get in the way, and are just now brave enough to try again. I fear any disruption to this momentum will cause some to throw in the towel.” President of Harold Washington’s Student Government Association, Peyton Carlson, said at the CCC Board of trustees meeting on Oct. 6. “I ask you to remember the power that you have. The decisions you make influence the lives of thousands.”
The CCC teachers union, Local 1600, represents over 5,000 teachers and support staff across 23 chapters in Cook County. Recently, Local 1600 held a vote to authorize a strike, with as many as 92% of union members voting for the authorization.
Full-time faculty, full-time and part-time professionals, and security in the colleges have been negotiating with CCC since October 2021 and have been working through an expired contract since July 2022.
“I want everyone to know in very clear terms that City Colleges is committed to negotiating in good faith with each of our professionals and faculty unions to finalize the respective collective bargaining agreements.” Chancellor Juan Salgado said at the most recent City Colleges of Chicago Board of Trustees meeting.
Critical proposals on the negotiating table include expanded support services to students, such as “Drop In” childcare, affordable housing, and immigration support, as well as comprehensive remote learning support and instruction for staff and students, reduced class size, more laboratory class support, and better wages.
“These proposals not only help our members but support students and make our colleges better and stronger. We don’t understand why they are not seriously addressed by CCC’s negotiating team.” Tony Johnston, President of the Cook County Teachers Union, said in the open floor statements portion of the last CCC Board meeting before a potential union strike vote. “Our proposals are serious and deserve your attention.”
While a strike date has not been set, if CCC faculty and staff do go on strike, it could extend the fall semester into winter break.
