The following resolution was passed on September 14 by UUP’s statewide Executive Board:
In Support of the Chicago Teachers Union
Whereas, the Chicago Teachers Union (AFT Local 1, the nation’s first teachers’ union) is engaged in a protracted contract battle that has important consequences for educators everywhere; and
Whereas, Chicago teachers have rallied, marched, won the support of parents, and mobilized for a contract that includes fair compensation, meaningful job security for qualified teachers, smaller class sizes and a rich curriculum that includes art, music, physical education and foreign language; and
Whereas, the CTU has published a report, The Schools Chicago’s Students Deserve, which eloquently argues in favor of proven reforms that would improve the education of the city’s 400,000 students; and
Whereas, 92% of the CTU membership participated in a vote to authorize a strike, and 98% of those voting voted yes; and
Whereas, the opponents of the CTU have used the deep pockets of wealthy supporters to launch a torrent of ads attempting to discredit the union and promote private charter schools; and
Whereas, a victory for the Chicago Teachers Union would be a victory for public-sector employees nationally as we struggle to resist the imposition of austerity conditions and the move to privatize public education; therefore be it
Resolved, that United University Professions support the Chicago Teachers Union in its fight to negotiate a contract that meets the needs of its members and their students; and be it further
Resolved, that United University Professions encourage its members to show support in any or all of the following ways: signing petitions in support of the CTU struggle, making individual donations to the CTU Solidarity Fund, writing letters of support, becoming Associate Members of CTU, attending local solidarity events, and any other related activities.
