The Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600 and the City Colleges of Chicago reached a tentative contract agreement just hours before a strike was set to kick off Monday.
The four-year contract includes salaries that keep pace with inflation, protected health insurance, AI safeguards and a path toward free developmental education, according to a union press release.
“I am proud of our negotiating teams, of our members who were prepared to strike, and of this contract,” said Tony Johnston, union president. “It should not have taken until 3:45 a.m. the day of a strike to get here. But we are happy to reach a fair agreement that supports students, faculty, and professionals.”
In a statement, a City Colleges spokesperson said classes are in session Monday and all student services will continue as scheduled.
Union members now must vote on whether to ratify the agreement. If it is approved, the agreement will go to the City Colleges Board of Trustees for final approval.