URGENT UPDATE: Federal lawmakers are pressing the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) for financial records amid allegations of opacity and mismanagement. The U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee sent a letter to CTU President Stacy Davis Gates demanding audits from 2019 through 2024, highlighting concerns over the union’s failure to comply with its own bylaws.
The committee’s letter, sent on Thursday, claims that CTU leaders have withheld essential financial information from members. The lawmakers have set a deadline of December 8, 2024, for the union to produce the requested documents. They warned that failure to comply could lead to further action, potentially including a subpoena.
This demand comes as CTU faces a lawsuit from a member who accuses the union of not releasing crucial financial records. The union has reportedly spent millions on political campaigns in recent years, notably supporting Brandon Johnson‘s mayoral campaign in Chicago.
The committee’s letter explicitly 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.” It further criticized the union for dismissing requests for transparency as a “racist dog whistle,” reflecting deepening tensions within the organization.
The push for audits is part of a broader examination into labor unions’ financial practices, prompting lawmakers to consider new legislation requiring greater financial disclosures. The ongoing scrutiny aims not only to ensure accountability but also to protect union members’ rights to access important financial information.
As this situation develops, all eyes are on CTU’s response and the implications for labor union transparency nationwide. The committee’s actions signify a critical moment for labor relations, spotlighting the urgent need for reform in how unions disclose their financial activities.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds. This is a defining moment for the Chicago Teachers Union and could set a precedent for labor organizations across the country.
