State Senator Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, expressed his support for a group of Noble Charter Schools teachers in their effort to unionize. A number of Noble staffers recently signed an open letter asking the administration not to interfere with union organizing. “Hundreds of families in the 2nd district are served by the seven Noble schools in the area. It is very important that the Noble Charter Schools board does not interfere with unionization efforts,” Aquino said. “Noble Charter Schools negotiates contracts with Chicago Public Schools. It seems fair to me that the teachers should be allowed to collectively bargain for a contract with their employer.” Last Friday, over 130 Noble Charter School teachers signed an open letter asking the administration not to interfere with unionization efforts. If they organize, Noble teachers will form the largest union of charter school teachers in the country. The teachers are organizing for more job stability, better teacher retention and a greater voice in network decisions. “I believe that unionization is the right choice for Noble Charter Schools,” Aquino said. “When teachers are brought to the table and given a voice, the quality of education improves. Out of respect for these workers, I call on Noble Charter School Network Superintendent Michael Milkie to keep his promise and stay out of the union’s organizing efforts. I believe that every person has the right to organize with their coworkers for better working conditions.” If formed, the Union of Noble Educators would join Chicago ACTS Local 4343, which represents over a dozen Chicagoland charter schools. Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, State Sen. Daniel Biss and Chicago Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa have already expressed their support for the teachers’ ongoing efforts to organize.