TODAY: Chicago Teachers Union members to vote on $800 dues hike, banning member lawsuits
Illinois Policy Institute experts available to comment

CHICAGO (May 20, 2026) – Members of the Chicago Teachers Union begin voting today on a proposed dues increase that could cost some members up to $800 more per year and a proposal limiting members’ ability to sue the union for violating their rights, according to research from the Illinois Policy Institute.

Under President Stacy Davis Gates and Vice President Jackson Potter, the Chicago Teachers Union and its affiliates have become one of the largest spenders in Chicago politics. Yet only 18 cents of every dollar the union spends goes toward teacher representation, with the majority directed toward political activity, Illinois Policy Institute research finds. In communications with members, the CTU cited a reason for the dues increase was to “win a majority” in the elected school board race.

In addition to the dues increase, CTU leadership is advancing a proposal that would prohibit members from suing the union. The measure follows a lawsuit filed by CTU members alleging the union failed to provide legally required financial audits as required by its own rules. CTU leadership recently suffered a setback in that lawsuit when a judge refused its request to end the case.

“Since leadership changes in 2010, both teachers and families have gotten less from the union while paying more for its increasingly political agenda,” said Mailee Smith, vice president of policy and litigation and staff attorney at the Illinois Policy Institute.“CTU leadership is increasingly out of touch with what Chicagoans actually need. These leaders should instead focus on serving their members and improving student proficiency, which has plummeted.”

The union had a 27.5% approval rating in Chicago, institute polling found in February.

Illinois Policy Institute experts are available in Chicago and statewide to comment on the CTU vote.

Experts available: 

Mailee Smith, vice president of policy and litigation and staff attorney
Austin Berg, executive director of the Chicago Policy Center

Where’s CTU spending its money?

• CTU was a leading donor to Brandon Johnson’s campaign for Chicago mayor, spending $2.3 million. Johnson’s approval rating is just 34%, according to a recent Chicago Tribune poll. He hasn’t announced a re-election campaign.
• The CTU endorsed 13 candidates in contested races and spent over $760,000 in those races in the 2026 March primary. Seven of those 13 candidates lost.
• In 2024, union leaders spent more than $2.8 million on CPS school board candidates. Of that, $2.1 million — 75% — went to losing candidates.

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