Struggles as a Militant Union Steward and Answers to Some of Your Questions

As some of you know, I have been fighting like hell to get answers to your questions from the union office. It is truly a sad state of affairs when a union steward is blocked by his or her own union leadership because the steward won’t lick their boots.

I have been assaulted at a meeting, called out-of-order with almost every motion and comment at meetings, called “full of sh*t,” chased off of CTA and Union property and had police called on me and other outspoken members just because we want to share information about your rights and our union. 

From my own Executive Board member threatening to put harassment charges on me to our own hyper-insecure Secretary-Treasurer and President refusing to answer emails, one can imagine the absolute frustration I have experienced. It is really bad when other officers see this tyranny, but refuse to speak out. 

It is like the officers are in their own elite fraternity. They cover for each other, demand loyalty from and belittle members who question or criticize them. I am not the only one they treat in this manner.

When it comes to how I perceive many union officers, it is just like dealing with whiny, spoiled rotten children. 

Regardless, I am irredeemably stubborn and annoyingly persistent. When others quit, I keep swinging—even if every hit is a foul ball. I have never given up trying to find ways to tap into the secret society known as ATU Local 308. 

That being said, it looks like I hit a home run!

Finally, I found a source for rational and mature communication: Brother Vice President Mark Weems. 

Although Brother Mark and I disagree philosophically on some issues and methodology, I am consistently impressed with his professionalism. I also find Sister Pennie, our Second Vice President, to be very professional and mature. 

I sent Brother Mark the following questions some of you have asked me. He answered them almost immediately, without any cajoling or reminders. 

1. Will the CTA provide onsite booster shots for employees like was done earlier this year?

“We asked them will they bring vaccination and booster shots back on the property and they replied ‘not at this time’.”

2. Will booster shots be mandated with threat of termination?

“They currently have NOT mandated booster shots.”

3. According to a recent Local 241 newsletter, the CTA is not punishing workers with sick book entries for covid-related absences.

Is this also for Local 308 and if so, is there a time limit and can you please provide details or an agreement in writing I could share?

“If you have a positive covid result or become ill from taking the vaccine you will Not be charged with a sick entry.”

4. Some coworkers are forced to quarantine and miss work when family members are infected. Some experience debilitating side effects. Will they receive compensation for that time off? What about non-FTP workers?

“Those who are under doctor care do to Covid will receive the contractual 7-Day sick pay (See Article 15.13 in the Contract) plus Short Term disability up to 26 weeks. This does not apply to FTT, PTT and Second Chance due to our current contract language. We are working extremely hard in negotiations to change that.”

5. Some non-vaccinated coworkers fell ill to and survived Coronavirus near or after the mandate deadline. Their doctors have recommended waiting a few months before taking the vaccine  because their bodies have built up a natural immunity. Will they still be punished for not having the vaccine? Will a note about it from the doctor exempt them for a period of time?

“We are checking with the CTA's chief counsel to get an updated answer to this question…….. Will follow up when we receive their response.”

So there are some mature, thoughtful responses from our Local 308 union office, courtesy of our Vice President. 

Let this be a lesson for all officers: No matter how much you may despise a specific member (steward or not), you have a legal and moral obligation to answer them promptly and with respect. 

Officers work for the members. Not the other way around. Our union is not some fan club or personality cult for elected leaders. We are the boss. Not them. 

What did you think of these questions and answers? What could we do as a collective to use this information and organize action?

Please post your ideas in the comments section.