No waivers

09/02/2011

Fact sheet: 5 Reasons to Oppose a Waiver
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The Chicago Public Schools is seeking ways to have those who are employed as teachers, Paraprofessional and School-Related Personnel (PSRPs) in Elementary and Middle Schools to consider extending their work hours an additional ninety (90) minutes per school day during the 2011-2012 school year starting in either September or January.  

Article 4-6 in the Board/ Union Agreement which addresses the regular school day for elementary schools states, “the regular school day for elementary teachers shall not exceed seven hours (not eight hours and thirty minutes) with a continuous duty-free lunch period of forty five minutes.”

The current Board/Union Agreement terminates June 30, 2012.  Therefore in order to add an additional 90 minutes to the school day all CTU members in a building would have to vote on a school WAIVER. It should be noted, that a WAIVER NEGATES A CONTRACTUAL RIGHT!

When there is a proposal to change any Article of the 2007-2012 Agreement between the Board of Education of the City of Chicago and the Chicago Teachers Union, the Waiver procedure in Appendix C must be used.  A waiver that is rejected may not be submitted more than once in any school year. An approved waiver automatically terminates at the conclusion of the school year.  Remember: a Waiver vote must be posted with at least two days advance notice, be clearly worded, and be conducted by secret ballot.                     

Consideration of a waiver is a serious matter.  A waiver negates a contractual right and consequently changes the terms of your working conditions. 

CPS may not retaliate against school staff who vote against a waiver. Please contact the CTU if you suspect that your rights will be violated or if you have any questions regarding the waiver procedures.  You may contact your field representative or coordinator at (312) 329-9100.