From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 40s
CPS Board Approves Lunchroom Workers' Wages Raise
Chicago Public Schools finalizes contract with lunchroom staff after 12 months of talks, raising hourly pay to $21 minimum.
In brief
Chicago Public Schools finalizes contract with lunchroom staff after 12 months of talks, raising hourly pay to $21 minimum. Chicago Public Schools lunchroom workers will earn at least $21 an hour under a new contract approved by the board, preventing a strike. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
CPS Board Approves New Contract
Chicago Public Schools board approved a new contract with lunchroom staff after more than a year of negotiations.
“The Chicago Board of Education on Thursday approved a new contract with lunchroom staff after more than a year of negotiations, raising worker’s wage floors and warding off a strike.”
Wage Increases Under New Agreement
All lunchroom staff represented by Unite Here Local 1 will earn at least $21 an hour under the deal.
“All lunchroom staff represented by Unite Here Local 1, including cooks and attendants, will receive raises to their current pay as well as increases based on their position and years of work.”
Wage Structure Details
Associate managers can earn up to $27 an hour, with 4% cost of living increase next summer.
“Next summer, all employees will receive a 4% cost of living increase, followed by a 2.5% raise in 2028.”
Previous Wages and Challenges
Most lunchroom workers earned $18.42 or less an hour before the new contract.
“Previously, a vast majority of lunchroom workers were making $18.42 or less an hour, according to the union.”
Union Survey Findings
67% of workers struggled to afford food, 22% received SNAP benefits.
“A survey the union conducted in 2025 found nearly half had trouble affording basic necessities, and 67% struggled to afford food at times.”
Longtime Workers' Benefits
Workers with 10 years get $1 per hour raise, 20 years get $2 per hour.
“Those with 10 years of service will receive a $1 per hour raise and those with 20 years will see increases of $2 an hour, cps said.”
Contract Duration and Cost
The deal covers four years from July 2025 through June 2029, costing $65 million.
“The new agreement covers four years from July 2025 through June, 2029, and will cost the district nearly $65 million, cps said.”
Strike Prevention Efforts
Union performed civil disobedience in April to prevent strike.
“In April, union members performed acts of civil disobedience to "sound the alarm" on their need for a new contract.”
Federal Mediator Involved
Both sides agreed to call in federal mediator to prevent strike.
“Both sides had also agreed to call in a federal mediator who typically intervenes when talks have hit an impasse in order to prevent a strike.”
Contract Ratification
Union ratified the deal on Oct. 11 after tentative agreement on Oct. 1.
“But the union and cps reached a tentative agreement on oct. 1 and it was ratified by the union on oct. 11, according to the district.”
Superintendent's Statement
Superintendent Macquiline King praised workers' dedication and commitment.
“I thank our lunchroom employees for their dedication, i thank them for sticking it out with us and i’m glad an agreement has been reached that honors their commitment to our students and school communities, king said.”
Expected Impact on Staffing
Downing-Lowe hopes new wages will attract more applicants and restore staffing levels.
“Because the wages have gone up, hopefully we can hire new people and the staffing can get back to where it was, downing-lowe said.”
The key point
Chicago Public Schools lunchroom workers will earn at least $21 an hour under a new contract approved by the board, preventing a strike.
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