News and Advocacy

As the custodial management contract with Aramark inside Chicago Public Schools (CPS) comes to an end, there’s a palpable mix of anticipation and reservation.The decision to bring management back unde
This year, we’ve seen unprecedented engagement from the Biden administration, affording AFSA a significant seat at the policymaking table and the opportunity for regular input.
“We are at a technological crossroads with the rights and economic security of workers at risk."
Workers able to act collectively and bargain through their union, have been able to secure enhanced safety measures.

Less than 17% of principals and assistant principals believe the district is prepared and ready to open schools. That is according to a survey executed by the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association (see full results below). More than 370 principals and assistant principals responded.

CPAA president, Troy LaRaviere, participated in a joint school reopening press conference with the Chicago Teachers Union. This video excerpt from that press conference highlights audio of Chicago Schools CEO, Janice Jackson, telling principals she consciously chose to delay giving them critical reopening information in order to give herself time to spin the reopening announcement to the media.

AFSA joined other education,  labor and social justice organizations asking Congress to help communities around the country.

In a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer the groups wrote:

Go to incoming Democratic President Joe Biden’s “Building Back Better” agenda on his website and read through it. The word “union,” the phrase “right to organize” and especially the word “worker” run through it like a constant thread.

No wonder AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, in a Jan. 12 telephone press conference, considered Biden the most pro-worker president in decades. “And in one week and one day, Joe Biden will be inaugurated and we’re ready to work with him.”