Building Momentum Together — New IFT Leadership & Springfield Action Alert

Our union movement in Illinois is entering a bold new chapter, and the Cook County College Teachers Union is right at the heart of it. With the election of a new Illinois Federation of Teachers leadership team and a major action planned for Springfield next Wednesday, now is the time to strengthen our collective power and show what union solidarity looks like.

A New IFT Leadership Team

At thte IFT convention, delegates overwhelmingly elected a new leadership slate committed to deepening our union’s power and advancing an ambitious progressive agenda. Stacy Davis Gates, who has served as Executive Vice President of the IFT and as President of the Chicago Teachers Union since 2022, is now stepping into the role of IFT President. Her transition has been smooth and powerful, reflecting her years of leadership and vision within both the CTU and IFT.

Joining her is John Miller, President of the University Professionals of Illinois (UPI Local 4100), who will serve as IFT Membership Secretary. For the first time in recent memory, a higher education officer will sit at the leadership table of our statewide federation. This is a major step forward for our movement and for all higher ed locals across Illinois. The new leadership team also includes Executive Vice President Cyndi Oberle-Dahm and Secretary Treasurer Pankaj Sharma. 

CCCTU played a key role in building the coalition that backed this leadership team. Our organizing, outreach, and bridge-building between higher education and K-12 were essential in making this victory possible. We are a key part of this coalition, and our continued participation will shape IFT’s direction in the years ahead.

The new leadership brings more than 130 years of combined classroom and organizing experience and has pledged to unite all IFT locals behind a shared mission: building a stronger, strike-ready movement that can win real change for working people across the state.

Fighting for Progressive Revenue, Pension Reform, and Higher Ed Funding

This leadership team is entering office with a clear and urgent agenda. They have pledged to fight for progressive revenue so that Illinois’ education system and public services are fully and fairly funded. They are making Tier 2 pension reform a top priority, demanding fairness for those who have been left behind by an inequitable retirement structure.

Higher education funding is also front and center. Underfunded campuses, low pay for adjuncts, and ballooning tuition have become the norm for too long. The IFT’s new leaders are committed to reversing that trend, investing in students and educators, and ensuring that Illinois colleges and universities remain strong public institutions.

The goal is not just to lobby, it’s to build a movement where every local is strike-ready. That means every local union across the state will be organized, mobilized, and prepared to take collective action when our demands are not met.

Action in Springfield — Next Wednesday

Our next step begins immediately. On Wednesday, October 29, union members from across Illinois will converge in Springfield to demand progressive revenue alongside real investment in public education and accountability from state leaders. The event will include a press conference, legislative meetings, and coordinated outreach to lawmakers and the media.

We will press the governor and the General Assembly to deliver on their promises: sustainable funding for education and a tax system that works for working people, not just the wealthy. Progressive revenue means the rich pay their fair share. President Trump has delivered extensive tax cuts to the rich. This money can be turned around and put to use here in Illinois, if our politicians are courageous enough to push for fair taxation. We will also make it clear that higher education must be at the center of Illinois’ budget and policy priorities.

CCCTU will be there in force. This is an opportunity for our members to stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow educators from K-12 and higher ed, and to demonstrate that we are ready to fight for what our students and our campuses deserve.

RSVP here for the 29th. Wear RED or Union gear and meet us at 10 AM at the IFT Springfield Office: 700 South CollegeSpringfield, Illinois 62704 

Bus transportation is also available. The bus will leave from the CTU office (1901 W. Carroll Ave.) at 6:30 AM. Register for a seat on the bus here.

Why This Moment Matters

This overwhelming election result gives the new IFT leadership a strong mandate, and gives all of us momentum. With John Miller in leadership, higher education has a clear and powerful voice in shaping statewide policy. The coalition that brought this team to victory is the same coalition that will push forward on pensions, revenue, and funding.

This is not just a change in leadership, it’s a call to action. CCCTU and our allies are prepared to make every local in the state strike-ready and politically engaged. Together, we are building a movement capable of transforming public education and protecting the dignity and security of every educator in Illinois.

Join us in Springfield next Wednesday. Let’s show the state what solidarity looks like.