Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently completed a review of the wage schedule for UNITE HERE Nutrition Support Services workers. This review determined that under CPS’ 2021-25 contract with UNITE HERE, hourly wages should have increased more than they did over the last three years to match increases provided to PSRP members of the Chicago Teachers Union.
CPS sincerely regrets this error and is working to ensure our valued current and former UNITE HERE Nutrition Support Services employees are compensated correctly. The District’s Talent Office will be conducting a thorough review of this situation to ensure that nothing like this happens in the future.
Former UNITE HERE Nutrition Support Service Employees Who Have Left CPS
If you were employed by Chicago Public Schools in any of the following roles after July 1, 2022, but are no longer working for CPS, you may be entitled to additional compensation:
- Lunchroom Attendant
- Lunchroom Cashier
- Porter
- Cook
- Associate Lunchroom Manager
If you believe you are entitled to additional compensation, here’s what you need to do:
- If your mailing address HAS NOT CHANGED since the time you were employed with CPS, there is no action needed on your part. Your retroactive payment will be mailed to this address in the form of a check on or before July 24, 2026.
- If your mailing address HAS CHANGED since the time when you were employed with CPS, or if you’re not sure, we will need you to complete this brief Google Form by June 30 so that we may update your mailing address before the checks are processed. Please note: If you received an email or physical letter reflecting your correct address, you should not submit this form.
CPS’ goal is to have all retroactive payments mailed by July 24, 2026. Please allow several days for the check to be delivered. If we do not receive any updated information from you, your retroactive payment will be mailed to the address we have on file.
Please do not contact CPS to ask about the amount of your retroactive payment prior to receiving it. We will not be able to provide information related to this payment before it is issued. If you DO NOT receive your payment, or have questions about the amount of the payment once it is received, please contact CPS Payroll Services at (773) 553-1000, Option #2.
Please note: If you know of someone who was employed by CPS during this time period but has passed away, heirs to their estate MAY be entitled to this retroactive compensation. If you feel this is the case for you, please call (773) 553-1000 and select Option #2 to speak with our Payroll Services Team.
Current UNITE HERE Nutrition Support Service Employees
Current UNITE HERE Nutrition Support Services employees should have received a communication from CPS on May 13, 2026 about this issue. That communication is available here.
CPS is applying the correct increases to employee paychecks starting this month. On average, these adjustments will increase current hourly wages by between 5.60% and 5.78%, depending on position. Paychecks dated Friday, May 29 will reflect the new, higher hourly wage.
The table below compares the current hourly wage to the corrected hourly wage increase that should be reflected on future paychecks.
Unite Here Local 1: Revised 2021-2025 Salary Table
|
Original Contract Rates |
Updated “Me Too” Rates |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7/1/2022 1.50 % |
7/1/2023 1.75 % |
7/1/2024 2 % |
7/1/2022 3.50 % |
7/1/2023 3.50 % |
7/1/2024 4 % |
Please note that these updated rates apply to the current contract ending June 30, 2025. CPS is currently negotiating with UNITE HERE regarding wages for the period starting July 1, 2025, and beyond. Those rates have not yet been finalized.
In addition to adjusting hourly wages, CPS will be issuing retroactive payments for the increases that Nutrition Support Services employees should have received starting July 1, 2022. This payment can be expected by Friday, July 24.
Please do not contact CPS to ask about the amount of your retroactive payment prior to receiving it. We will not be able to provide information related to this payment before it is issued. If you DO NOT receive your payment, or have questions about the amount of the payment once it is received, please contact CPS Payroll Services at (773) 553-1000, Option #2.
You can also find answers to additional questions about this situation in this FAQ document.
Former UNITE HERE Nutrition Support Service Employees Who Are Still Employed By CPS
Former UNITE HERE Nutrition Support Services employees who are still employed by CPS should have received a communication from CPS on May 13, 2026 about this issue. That communication is available here.
CPS will be issuing retroactive payments for the increases that UNITE HERE Nutrition Support Services employees should have received starting July 1, 2022. This payment can be expected by Friday, July 24..
Please do not contact CPS to ask about the amount of your retroactive payment prior to receiving it. We will not be able to provide information related to this payment before it is issued. If you DO NOT receive your payment, or have questions about the amount of the payment once it is received, please contact CPS Payroll Services at (773) 553-1000, Option #2.