Bad News Mandate

It's official: Our union leadership sold us out again, by unilaterally deciding to give our lawful power to democratically decide our fate to some "neutral" Arbitrator named Steven M. Bierig. Long-story-short: Get the vaccine shot(s) by November 1st—or appeal through accommodation forms—or be punished. 

Credit: Art Explosion

Read all about this crap for yourselves at the Chicago Transit Justice Coalition Vaccine Mandate document website. The Coalition uploaded printable and viewable files to help CTA workers understand all the nasty details about this latest assault on our dignity.

Other unions—including NBA basketball players—got it better than us. At least those who decline to vaccinate will be required to be tested on-site while on the clock. We get shafted. Part-timers (CSA, Second Chance and FTT Flagman) get it worse, because they cannot get sick pay if knocked out by side effects. 

One piece of good news: If you get a sick book violation for calling off after feeling sick from the vaccine, you can grieve it and the CTA will remove it. But grieve it within 30 days. Text your favorite union rep for help. Or if you can't stand your union rep, text me at 779-456-6460 to ask for help.

Me and the stewards at Howard Shop didn't even know what was going on. We had to hear about it on Facebook—which the union bosses condemn as a source of misinformation. At the September Local 308 membership meeting tonight, I asked President Dixon why he did not consult with the members through conference calls to allow us to democratically debate and choose how we wanted to fight. He refused to answer.

I also put forward a motion for our union to engage in a powerful form of civil disobedience regarding this mandate. President Dixon ruled it "out of order." Former union President Ken Franklin was there too and he also ruled me out of order. That was hilarious! This brother has been out of office since January. Six years as our president wasn't enough it seems. I thought I was annoying!

Anyway, this whole thing sucks. I encourage all who are already vaccinated—such as myself—to show support for our coworkers if they get punished. Organize actions to protest this unfair treatment. President Dixon, President Hill and the other union officers have shown no interest in doing it. So we must do it.