Chicago Public Schools’ lunchroom staff move closer to strike

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) lunchroom workers are nearing a potential strike as their union, Unite Here Local 1, has delivered a letter to the school district requesting a fact-finding process in ongoing contract negotiations. According to state law, no strike can occur until at least 30 days after a third-party fact-finder releases their findings. The budget plan for the 2026-27 school year, which the board will vote on, may include program cuts and layoffs, with CPS eliminating five furlough days for all staff.

Unite Here Local 1 represents approximately 1,800 lunch workers in CPS, and a union survey revealed that 47% of those surveyed struggle to pay for housing, with 22% relying on food pantries. The union is demanding a minimum salary of $40,000 annually for lunchroom workers and an increase in staffing at school kitchens. In April, CPS cited about two dozen lunchroom workers during a civil disobedience act to draw attention to their demands.

Union members, including a cook from Columbia Explorers Academy, expressed the need for higher pay to make ends meet and secure housing. CPS has not yet commented on the situation.