Cute, But Totally Hypocritical

When I first read this Make-A-Wish story, I was happy—for about three seconds. 

He reminded me of myself at that age. I was never sick like him. However, I always wanted to be a CTA Conductor and Motorman (yeah, when we had Two-Person Crews). 

After that three seconds of joy came a splash in the face of cold sadness.  

If this child was an adult who worked as a train operator here, he would likely be fired for having such a health condition if he needed time off for treatment. 

PT Operators (Flagmen) is the only way he could get in and he would have no paid time, would be punished for calling off and wouldn’t have FMLA privileges until he worked 1,250 hours for a year. It gets worse: They get no paid vacation, no holiday pay, no uniform allowance, no pension and no dental insurance. 

Moreover, if just his parent(s) worked here, it would be almost the same problem: They would get written up for taking off to get him treatment. Eventually fired—especially if they press the wrong button on the phone when reporting to the CTA's ridiculous Third-Party Administrator. 

None of us—Part- no Full-Time—earn accruable paid sick days here. However, we are punished when we do call off sick. 

Even if we utilize short-term disability pay, there are many restrictions and loopholes to navigate. 

At the CTA we are constantly forced to choose between keeping our job and suffering or letting loved ones suffer.

The physical toll from doing the job of two persons adds to the suffering. One Person Train Operation (OPTO) doesn't work. Chronic injuries, mental anguish, delay after delay would be easily remedied with the return of Two-Person Train Operation. 

Apologists whine that “we are a 24-hour operation and can’t accommodate call-offs.” Well that is what an Extra Board and Pool roster is for! But no, CTA mismanagement abuses Extra Board/Pool to fill in for scheduled work!

They are always cutting jobs to increase the bottom line and decrease our health. 

Shxxt the messenger. Call the cops. Write me up. Cringe. I am a union rep. I see the suffering of CTA workers daily. I watch good people who have become like family get fired or hurt simply because they are sick. I ain’t making this crap up. 

No offense intended towards the good intentions of those involved in this charitable act and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but I am just telling you the honest, ugly Truth. 

We need Full Time Jobs and accruable Paid Sick Days for all CTA workers NOW.