Chicago public school teachers have successfully secured a new four-year contract without a strike, marking the first time in over a decade that such an agreement has been reached without labor action.

Negotiations were conducted under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is seen as an ally of the union, contrasting with previous negotiations that were marked by strikes.

The negotiation process was tumultuous, involving the firing of CPS Superintendent Pedro Martinez and the resignation of the entire school board amid political and financial instability.

Moving forward, the CTU will focus on internal leadership elections scheduled for May 2025, where Davis Gates will face challenges to her leadership.

Both the union and district officials acknowledged that the negotiation process took longer than necessary, emphasizing the need for urgency in addressing educational issues.

Mayor Johnson's attempt to secure a $300 million loan to cover contract costs and pension payments was rejected by the school board, leading to protests and further resignations.

Despite the successful contract ratification, the district faces a $500 million annual deficit and concerns about funding future contract obligations.

The new contract includes significant provisions such as pay increases, the hiring of 800 additional teachers and nearly 100 librarians, and limits on class sizes.

The agreement received overwhelming support from union members, with 97% voting in favor, a result that CTU President Stacy Davis Gates hailed as a historic achievement.

This contract marks a significant shift, allowing the CTU to negotiate on issues beyond salary and benefits for the first time in nearly 30 years, following a legislative change in 2021.

Experts believe that the successful negotiations in Chicago could serve as a model for other unions across the U.S., particularly in large districts like Los Angeles.

The contract was ratified with an impressive voter turnout of approximately 85%, reflecting strong support among the union's 30,000 members.