Are Chicago Public Schools Teachers Getting A Raise?

CPS/CTU header image
Photo illustration: Paula Friedrich / WBEZ
CPS/CTU header image
Photo illustration: Paula Friedrich / WBEZ

Are Chicago Public Schools Teachers Getting A Raise?

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Updated September 26, 2016 1:30 P.M.

The Chicago Teachers Union has voted to authorize a strike as contract negotiations between the union and Chicago Public Schools have stalled. But the two sides seem to be on different planets when it comes to explaining what the contract means for teachers.

Here’s what’s on the table:

CPS wants teachers to pay more into employee contributions to healthcare and pension costs. It’s also offering teachers an 8.75 percent raise over a four-year contract, plus salary increases from something called steps and lanes.

So why does CPS call it a raise, and CTU call it a pay cut?