CPS Reopening Updates – SEIU Local 73

Today we held a Tele Townhall to answer members’ questions.

During the call, you should have received an email from CPS stating the return of K-8 teachers and staff has been pushed back to Wednesday, Jan. 27. Please note, this only applies to staff who were scheduled to return to work tomorrow, Jan. 25. If you have already returned to work, you should report to work tomorrow. Those who work in the cluster or pre-k programs should continue to report to work.

Additional Updates
CTU has been in negotiations with CPS over the safe reopening of our schools and we support them. CTU’s delegation has approved a strike vote and is urging its members to work remotely. If CPS locks them out then they would be forced to strike. We want you to understand your rights as you decide what is best for your health and safety and family.

We are not advocating for our members to work in unsafe conditions. Local 73 will continue to address safety concerns with CPS and advocate for a safe working environment in the best interest of our members and the students they serve. SEIU Local 73 will fight any discipline imposed on our members concerning safe working conditions or violations of our collective bargaining agreement. We will also fight any retaliation against our members for exercising these rights to protect their health and safety.

Here is what we are faced with:

As most of you know our contract explicitly says that we can not engage in a strike or support a strike, you can find this in Article 8 of our contract. What this means is:

If Local 73 members went on strike, it would likely be considered an unprotected and illegal strike by the Illinois Education Labor Board.
For our members, this means CPS may withhold wages since CPS would not be obligated to pay our members if they engaged in a work stoppage and or id they decided to work remotely even after they were told to report in person, they can discipline our members up to and including termination.
CPS may file a ULP alleging that Local 73 engaged in an illegal strike. Which could lead to the Labor Board ordering Local 73 to end the strike in accordance with Article 8 of our contract, impose monetary sanctions on Local 73, and order Local 73 to pay for the Board’s reasonable expenses, including their attorney fees.
The CTU doesn’t have similar language to ours.

Zero Days
We have spoken with CPS and informed them that any member who chooses to can use a Zero Day. They should not be penalized and we will see this as retaliation. If you are scheduled to work in person and do not want to use a Zero Day, you must report to work.

To take a Zero Day, call your principal to let them know.

ADA Exemptions
We understand many of you have applied for exemptions under ADA to be able to work remotely. If you have been denied an exemption, or have not yet received a response to your request, you must report to work or use a Zero Day.

If you have not received a response to your request, you should keep calling the Board to ask what the delay is about and when you will receive a response. Or you can call the MAC for assistance.

ADA exemptions only apply to members and not their families. If you have a family member that is at risk, you should apply for an FMLA exemption.

Principals do not have the authority to approve ADA or FMLA exemptions.

Vaccinations
SEIU believes the best way to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities is to receive the vaccine However we also believe this is a personal decision.

We understand that CPS expects to begin receiving vaccines starting January 25, and will begin to distribute doses to employees through school-based sites. Staff who are eligible to get vaccinated in Phase 1B (Ex. Over age 65) can set up their appointments through their health care provider or pharmacy

Testing
If you have come into contact with a co-worker or someone else who has tested positive, you inform CPS, get tested, and quarantine until you receive a negative test. Once you receive a negative test you must report back to work.

If you are directed to quarantine by CPS or the Health Department, follow the directive and CPS should provide sick days beyond your 10 days.

If you become aware of co-workers or students who are in school and have tested positive please inform us immediately by calling the MAC 312-787-5868.

Mask Wearing Compliance
We understand students do not always comply with wearing a mask. The only children that do not have to wear a mask are those with documented health conditions.

If you have a student that is consistently not wearing a mask you should report this to your principal to address immediately.

Toileting
CPS should provide you with all necessary PPE up to and including gowns, gloves, masks, and face shields to prevent exposure while assisting students in the bathroom. If you have not been provided this PPE please let us know immediately by calling the MAC 312-787-5868.

Students Attending Remotely
If the students you work with are attending remotely AND your principal has approved you working remotely, be sure to get that approval in writing.

Your Child Returns to School on Feb. 1
If your children are scheduled to return to school on Feb. 1, and you are scheduled to return to work this week, you will need to provide for child care. There is no child care exemption.

Care Room
The Care Room is a voluntary assignment. If you have been directed or assigned to the Care Room notify us immediately by calling the MAC 312-787-5868.

If you have any other questions please contact your steward, your organizer, or the MAC.

As we receive more information we will continue to keep you updated via email, text, and our website.