1. "I'm waiving all of my collective bargain rights"
The waiver merely changes the school scheduling details, it has no effect on your collective bargain rights or the existing collective bargaining agreement. But you don’t have to take our word on this. CPS is willing to spell out, in as much detail as teachers need, exactly which rights will NOT be waived in each vote. We’ve lengthened the ballot for two schools already to help allay concerns around rights. We are happy to provide all of the support and detail teachers need to be comfortable with waiver content.
2. "I won't be able to earn overtime"
The waiver, in no way, takes away your right to overtime pay for hours put in after the new dismissal time.
3. "My union won't support me if I vote yes"
Unions are required to fairly represent all bargaining unit members including dues paying members and fair share fee paying members.
4. "The time will be used for test prep – or to warehouse kids."
The Longer Day Pioneer Program will add 90 minutes of instructional time to students' days for more reading, math, science and enrichment programs like art, music and physical education, which help boost student achievement at their schools. It will not be used for more test prep.
5. "This is an unprecedented action"
Actually, the use of waivers to expand the school day is a fairly routine action, one fully in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement between the CTU and CPS.