Cash-strapped Chicago gives $7 million in raises to union-backed
childcare workers
[May 15, 2025]
By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is giving $7 million
in taxpayer-funded raises and bonuses to early childhood workers at 86
locations in the city.
The mayor said about 3,000 workers would get 5% to 10% “across the
board” wage increases.
It’s a down payment on the workforce behind the workforce, Johnson said.
“They are the people and the spirit behind the child’s success. These
are the people that families drop their children off to every single
day,” Johnson said.
Chicago is facing a budget deficit of more than $1 billion, although
Alderman Scott Waguespack told The Center Square last month that the
budget shortfall might be close to $1.5 billion or more.
Johnson recognized Service Employees International Union Healthcare.
“We’re going to make sure that these tough workers know that we will
always remain the most pro-worker city in America,” Johnson said.
The mayor made the announcement Tuesday at a news conference hosted by
YMCA Metropolitan Chicago at its North Lawndale facility on the city’s
West Side.
YMCA Metropolitan Chicago’s chief learning officer, Danette Connors,
thanked SEIU for helping to facilitate the event.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Chicago Mayor's Office | Facebook
SEIU Healthcare Illinois Vice President Brynn Seibert said the union
and the Child Care for All coalition organized and held town halls,
showed up at budget listening sessions, testified before the city
council and delivered a petition with 1,800 signatures to City Hall.
“We won’t stop fighting until every Chicago family has access to
quality, affordable care and education, and to get there, we need to
make sure that every childcare worker has a good union job,” Seibert
said.
Chicago Department of Family and Support Services interim
Commissioner Maura McCauley said staff employed at all 86 agencies
that are funded through the agency would receive raises.
Johnson said the wage increases would be implemented in the next
“couple of months.” He said the $7 million would come from the city
budget.
Johnson was asked how long the additional funding for childcare
workers would be sustainable.
“Well, the sustainability is around the ongoing effort to make sure
this down payment is extended beyond this year,” Johnson said.
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