URGENT UPDATE: Federal lawmakers are demanding that the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) produce financial records amid allegations of a lack of transparency. The U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee sent a letter on Thursday to CTU President Stacy Davis Gates, requiring audits for the years 2019 through 2024.
This demand comes as the CTU has reportedly withheld crucial financial information from its members, leading to heightened scrutiny over the union’s operations. The committee has set a deadline of December 8, 2024, to provide the requested documents, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The committee’s letter accuses union leaders of failing to follow their own bylaws, which dictate that financial audits must be shared with members. It highlights a serious concern that CTU leadership has actively tried to keep complete financial information away from those they represent. This includes a member’s recent request for audits that was dismissed as a “racist dog whistle.”
In recent years, the CTU has spent millions on political campaigns, including efforts that contributed to the election of Brandon Johnson as Chicago’s mayor. This financial involvement has raised red flags among lawmakers, who are now questioning the union’s financial practices and transparency.
The letter states, “The committee understands that CTU leadership has actively sought to keep complete financial information from its own members, who continue to request that audits be published.” This lack of transparency has triggered an ongoing lawsuit from a CTU member demanding the release of these financial records.
As the deadline approaches, lawmakers have not ruled out the possibility of further action, including issuing a subpoena if the union fails to comply. The committee aims to assess whether new legislation is necessary to require labor unions to disclose financial audits more openly.
Authorities are closely monitoring this developing situation, as it not only impacts CTU members but also sets a precedent for union transparency across the country. The outcome could influence future legislation regarding labor unions nationwide.
Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue as the situation develops. Share your thoughts and reactions on social media, and keep an eye out for further announcements from the House Education Committee.
