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Today, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, on a split 2-1 vote, denied our request to seek a preliminary injunction against CPS’ unilaterally developed plan to resume in-person learning on January 4 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage Chicago.
The 2-member IELRB majority, Lara Shayne and Gilbert O’Brien, ruled on narrow grounds that they believe a full evidentiary trial is needed to determine whether CPS is obligated under a provision of state law that only applies to our district. (Section 4.5).
Acting chair Lynne Sered dissented, saying, “Health and safety is a mandatory subject of bargaining. It may not be disregarded by Section 4.5."
"It is undisputed that the Chicago Board of Education has announced a date certain to bring children and teachers back without bargaining that decision with the CTU. Further, we are literally dealing with life and death, which amounts to irreparable harm."
We will request that the IELRB set a trial date for next week and for a decision to issue the first week of Jan. Without that timeline, CPS could be allowed to put people in danger with its unilateral plan that likely will end up being declared illegal after the fact.
In such case, all options will be on the table for our union to enforce our rights and protect the health, safety, and livelihoods of students, educators and all families.
