Union Busting: CTA Style

I had the honor of witnessing a classic union busting tactic on February 8, 2024: My employer illegally removed me from a breakroom at a location where I was paid by union dues to protect and inform members of ATU Local 308. 

I was doing nothing against CTA General Rules, the Collective Bargaining Agreement nor Labor Law. 

The gross ignorance and disrespect of labor law and unprofessionalism of certain CTA managers is indicative of why the system is failing its mission to “deliver quality, affordable transit services that link people, jobs and communities.”

Abuse of employees and disrespect of our Collective Bargaining Agreement is rampant at the CTA. This demoralizes us. Miserable and sick workers cannot serve the public effectively. 

I was elected by many coworkers to advocate for and defend their rights and our CBA (according to the ATU Local 308 bylaws). My employer is furious and has gone so far as to collaborate with fellow union officials to punish me and the workers who demand I be allowed to help them. They are also involved in a plot to remove me from office on February 13th. 

The particular mismanager who called the police—without warning—has been chasing me out of shops and removing informative fliers from non work areas for three years. This mismanager has also harassed me when I was on duty. 

This particular mismanager harasses and violates many other employees. 

An Unfair Labor Practice charge against this person has been filed with the Illinois Labor Relations Board (click picture to read the charge).