Waukegan District 60 Occupational and Physical Therapists join union

Today, all 17 occupational and physical therapists in Waukegan Unit School District No. 60 filed cards with the Illinois Educational Relations Board to unionize. The therapists will be joining their colleagues in the Waukegan Psychologists Council, which is part of the Lake County Federation of Teachers (LCFT, IFT Local 504).

“We are thrilled to file our official union cards today,” said Susan Young, a therapist in the district. “For too long, we’ve seen our caseloads go up while inconsistencies in working conditions make it more difficult to do our jobs. Joining the union will ensure we have a voice to advocate for our students’ needs and our profession.”

“This is a great day for District 60,” said Katie Barerra, co-president of the Waukegan Psychologists Council. “Our occupational and physical therapists deserve the security and benefits of a union contract, and we are delighted that all 17 of them have voted to join our union.”

Once the cards are certified by the IELRB, the therapists will be union members, and the expanded union will begin to establish a democratic governance structure and prepare contract proposals for bargaining. The therapists’ expertise and experience will inform every step of the process.

“I am so proud to welcome the occupational and physical therapists into our union family,” said Andy Friedlieb, president of the Lake County Federation of Teachers and a former teacher in Waukegan District 60. “When you join a union, you are coming together to strengthen your school, to demand recognition for your skill and dedication, and to help students succeed. We will stand together to ensure our students and community get the education and services they need.”

The therapists opted to unionize to ensure students are prioritized in the district by calling for a manageable caseload, and they seek parity with other unionized groups in the district regarding working conditions, benefits, and compensation packages.

The Lake County Federation of Teachers (LCFT, Local 504) represents about 6,000 educators, certified staff, and paraprofessionals and school-related personnel in 31 councils in Lake County. They are affiliated with the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers.