Lawmakers Demand Financial Transparency from Chicago Teachers Union

Federal lawmakers are pressing the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) for transparency regarding its financial records, alleging that the organization has not adequately informed its members. On Thursday, the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee sent a letter to CTU President Stacy Davis Gates, requesting financial audits from 2019 through 2024.

The committee’s letter accuses union leaders of failing to share vital information with their members and not adhering to their own bylaws, which mandate that financial audits be made available. The CTU has until December 8, 2023, to provide the requested documents. While the letter does not explicitly mention the possibility of a subpoena, it raises concerns about the union’s compliance.

This request coincides with an ongoing lawsuit from a CTU member who claims that union officials have refused to release essential financial records. Over recent years, the CTU has reportedly allocated millions of dollars towards political campaigns, including support for Brandon Johnson‘s successful bid for mayor of Chicago.

In part, 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.” The committee highlighted a troubling instance in which a member’s request for audits was dismissed, being labeled as a racist “dog whistle.”

The intention behind obtaining these audits is to assess whether Congress should consider new legislation requiring labor unions to disclose their financial audits. The letter does not clarify whether further action will be taken if the CTU fails to comply with the request.

The demand for transparency reflects a growing concern regarding union governance and accountability. As lawmakers seek to ensure that union members are informed about where their dues are being spent, the outcome of this situation may lead to significant changes in union financial disclosure practices across the country.