Chicago Teachers Union Demands 9% Annual Raises in Contract Negotiations

The Chicago Teachers Union is demanding a 9% annual pay raise or the consumer price index, and has not ruled out a strike as contract negotiations begin. The union president emphasized the need for fair compensation and improved working conditions, including addressing the wage disparity for paraprofessionals and advocating for a more equitable education system across all Chicago Public Schools. The presence of a former union member as mayor adds a new dynamic to the negotiations, as the city grapples with financial challenges.