The Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff is now the collective bargaininbg representative for 98 teachers at four charter school campuses operated by ASPIRA, Inc.

The Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff (Chicago ACTS) is now the collective bargaining representative for 98 teachers at four charter school campuses operated by ASPIRA Inc. The Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB) has certified the bargaining unit for these teachers at ASPIRA’s Haugan Middle School, Mirta Ramirez Computer Science High School, Early College High School, and Antonia Pantoia High School. Collective bargaining over the union’s first contract can now begin.
 
Statement of IFT President Ed Geppert, Jr.
 
The dedicated teachers at ASPIRA schools want to have a voice in the important decisions that affect the schools where they teach and the students they care about. They understand the best way to have a collective voice is through a union. Everyone benefits when the teacher in the classroom has the ability to work with the administration on important policies and procedures.
 
These teachers made an effort to reach out to the administration, parents and various community groups as they came together to seek union recognition. They want to continue to work with everyone involved as they discuss the needs of teachers and students.
 
The 103,000 members of the Illinois Federation of Teachers welcome ASPIRA teachers to our union. We pledge to work with them to enhance their careers as professionals and to promote the best interests of their schools and students.

[IFT press release]