Leadership Through Education!

March 6, 2017
Board of Directors

Fernando E. Grillo, Chair To the ASPIRA Parents:

Estrada Hinojosa & Co., Inc.

Gustavo Vidal, Treasurer

Vidal & Associates
There is no easy way to put this: The future of our ASPIRA childrens education is facing a critical
point. At issue is whether the negotiators that represent teachers who are members of ChiACTS
Orlando Saez, Director
Aker Local 4343 Union will present a proposal or spend their time with the media.
Maribel Rodriguez, Director
Chicago Transit Authority ASPIRA started this process ten months ago to do what we could to stave off a potential strike. Our
Luis Martinez, Director offer to the Union was a 2% annual proposed raise ensuring a 10% pay increase over a five-year
City Colleges of Chicago
term. The opposition wants just a 7% increase for two years.
Juan Morado, Director
State of Illinois Health Facilities
and Services Review Board It wasnt until two weeks ago the Union finally came back with a counter proposal asking for two
Francesca Guzman, increases in two years: 3.25% and 3% respectively.
Student Director
Alum, ASPIRA Early College
High School A negotiation date of last Thursday was set and ASPIRA was willing to negotiate, but lawyers for
Student Board Member
the Union presented information but did not submit a counter proposal. It is probably no
Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta
President & CEO
coincidence the Union was simultaneously meeting to discuss strike plans. This clearly shows no
intention to settle.

Haugan Middle School

We have been open and transparent on every item the Union has requested. Our accounting books
3729 W. Leland Ave. are open and the Union has had opportunities to review them.
Chicago, IL 60625

Business and Finance ASPIRAs administration has absorbed an 8% cut in last years funding and a proposed $450,000
High School
2989 N. Milwaukee Ave. cut in this years funding without one teacher losing his or her job or installed pay increases. We
Chicago, IL 60618
have tightened our belts at every level.
Antonia Pantoja High School
3129 N. Pulaski Rd.
Chicago, IL 60641 Our current proposal ensures all teaching jobs stay intact with an increase in pay. Any other
Early College High School demands from the Union could jeopardize teaching positions, affect classroom size and hurt the
3119 N. Pulaski Rd.
Chicago, IL 60641 overall education our students are receiving.
Miguel del Valle
Youth Development Center I have a lot of respect for the collective bargaining process but bargaining needs two parties at the
3909 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647 table and it is extremely hard to get an agreement when only one party is actively negotiating at the
table.

We continue to stand ready and willing to negotiate at a moments notice and we will update you
Administrative Offices
3013 N. Monticello Ave.
day or night if things develop.
Chicago, IL 60618

773-252-0970
Sincerely,
www.aspirail.org

@ASPIRAIllinois

Fernando Grillo, Chairman

ASPIRA Board of Directors
Once an ASPIRANTE, always an ASPIRANTE!