Recertification versus Refresher: What’s the Difference?

It is a big difference. 

Recertification—which can be found in multiple locations throughout our Collective Bargaining Agreement—requires us to pass or fail an evaluation (or series of tests). 

Whether you pass or fail can mean you will keep your job. 

Refresher is just going through an information session to keep you sharp. If you receive such a notice, it should not lead to any punishment. I confirmed this via email with Brother Mark Weems, our Local 308 Vice President.

 

However, from reports I am getting, there is a unscrupulous manager insinuating that if we don't score higher than 80% we will be punished. 

 

There is absolutely nothing in our Collective Bargaining Agreement ("Contract") that indicates Customer Assistants require any type of "recertification" or "refresher training" in order to maintain employment. If you hear that from a manager, kindly inform him/her of the facts. Make sure you have at least another coworker on board with you and will be a witness. 

Of course you can always contact a trusted union officer or steward. If I am off the clock and nearby, I will gladly pay the manager a visit or email message if he/she threatens to punish you about your score.

It is past time we stand up to these turd-ball tyrants who like to harass and terrorize us with firings and writeups! Make your voice heard during a Chicago Transit Justice Coalition's "CTA WORKERS DEMAND RESPECT!" protest in front of CTA headquarters on December 9th from 8-8:30 am.