Tentative Four-Year Contract Agreement Reached Between Chicago Public Schools and SEIU Local 73

After a year of negotiations, the union representing school support staff in Chicago Public Schools has reached a tentative agreement with the district, bringing an end to a long-standing contract dispute. The four-year deal, if approved by union members and the Chicago Board of Education, will set a baseline salary of $40,000 for all full-time workers represented by Service Employees International Union Local 73.

The agreement includes a 4% pay increase for the first two years and a 4% to 5% increase for the last two years of the contract, covering the current school year through the 2026-27 school year. SEIU Local 73 represents approximately 11,000 school support workers, including custodians, special education classroom assistants, bus aides, security officers, crossing guards, and parent-workers.

In addition to salary increases, the union successfully negotiated for more professional development and training opportunities, particularly for special education classroom assistants. Security officers are set to transition from seven-hour to eight-hour employees, and all SEIU Local 73 members will receive paid time off to observe religious holidays.

“This agreement reflects our District’s commitment to a fair and equitable contract,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez in a press release. SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer expressed satisfaction with the deal, stating, “After a year-long fight, our Union members are finally being recognized for their commitment and have secured much-needed raises that will greatly improve the lives of these essential workers.”

The union members will vote in the coming weeks to ratify the tentative contract deal, marking a significant milestone in their efforts to secure fair compensation and working conditions.