CSDU Files ULP Against CTU

In the wake of a letter sent by CTU President Marilyn Stewart to

CPS principals, the CSDU has filed a complaint with the IELRB. 

The Stewart letter asks the principals NOT to allow school meetings

by CTU caucuses until the middle of March.  The Unfair Labor

Practice complaint maintains that the CTU is colluding with the

CPS administration to influence the outcome of the upcoming CTU

Officer May election.  This action is also grievable under Art 1-17 of

the current agreement, which states:

Art.1-17. On twenty-four hours’ notice to the principal of the school, the UNION shall have
the right to schedule meetings in the building before or after regular duty hours and
during lunch time of teachers or other bargaining unit members involved in matters
concerning their employment, the provisions of this Agreement and for the conduct of
UNION business, provided said meetings do not interfere with an in-service or general
faculty meeting previously scheduled and posted prior to the twenty-four-hour
notification given to the principal by the UNION. 

 

  A previous incursion into member rights took place when Chicago

Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman (at the request of the CTU)

sent a letter to principals stating that members are not allowed to

use school mail boxes or the CPS email system.  The Chicago

Teachers Union sends emails through the CPS system regularly. 

A ULP has been filed against the CPS also for unduly trying to

influence the outcome of the election.

Since Stewart has no jurisdiction over principals, it is doubtful that

principals will adhere to Stewart’s request.  If delegates and members

are prevented from holding union meetings that are scheduled either

before or after regular school hours, a grievance should be filed under

Art. 1-17.

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