Education
City Colleges, Faculty and Professional Staff Reach Tentative Contract Hours Before Strike Set to Begin
Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600 members picket outside Harold Washington College on Oct. 2, 2026. (WTTW News)
The union representing nearly 1,500 City Colleges of Chicago faculty and professional staff announced it reached a tentative contract agreement overnight to stave off a work stoppage slated to begin Monday.
Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600 and the City Colleges of Chicago reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract late Sunday, meaning Monday’s planned strike had been averted.
“I am proud of our negotiating teams, of our members who were prepared to strike, and of this contract,” CCCTU President Tony Johnston said in a statement.
A City Colleges spokesperson confirmed the tentative agreement, adding that classes would remain in session Monday and student services continue as scheduled.
As part of the new contract, the union said faculty and professionals will receive annual raises they say will keep up with the rising cost of living, along with protected health insurance, safeguards on the use of artificial intelligence and expanded parental leave.
CCCTU officials said bargaining with City Colleges leaders began in February before contracts for both faculty and professionals expired in mid July.
The union had set Monday as its strike date after 96% of its voting members said they were in favor of a work stoppage.
The agreement will now go to union membership for a ratification vote. If they approve, the agreement will go to the City Colleges Board of Trustees for approval.
“It should not have taken until 3:45 a.m. the day of a strike to get here,” Johnston said. “But we are happy to reach a fair agreement that supports students, faculty, and professionals.”
