The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is pushing for a $50 billion contract, which includes demands for free abortion services, cash for migrants, LGBTQ accommodations, and significant raises in pay despite declining student enrollment and proficiency rates. The proposed contract calls for a nine percent annual pay raise through 2028, putting Chicago teachers among the highest paid in the country with a projected annual salary of $144,620 by 2027. The demands also include annual retraining for teachers on LGBTQ issues, construction of gender-neutral bathrooms in schools, and a ban on informing parents if their children are undergoing transgender transitions at school. Additionally, the CTU wants the city to provide $2,000 checks to every migrant student for transportation, mental health counseling, and academic support. This comes as reports show that many Chicago public schools have zero students proficient in math and reading, and student enrollment in the Chicago Public School system has been decreasing. Despite these challenges, the CTU is adamant about their demands for higher pay and additional benefits in the proposed contract.
