Cleveland Atkins: A Symbol of Why Our Union Leadership Sucks

As demonstrated in my article about the Contract extension ratification vote, the utter barbarity of abuse against the CTA employees by mismanagers and some of my fellow union officials has been tolerated for far too long.

Although the hilarity of the memes by an anonymous supporter make coping with this abnormal so-called labor union easier, there is a deadly serious undertone.

On June 24, 2024, Brother Secretary-Treasurer, Cleveland Atkins, attempted to provoke me into a fight by putting his chest against mine. He literally walked over to me from the inner entrance of the garage to the corner near the main garage door where I was standing. A volunteer—who has not yet been positively identified—pushed me away from him and reached out to hit fellow member Robert Thomas' phone and water out of his hand.

Brother Robert was attempting to document Brother Cleveland's street cop bravado and the volunteer wasn't having it. According to the loyalist of Brother Cleve, any documentation of abuse by union officials against a member and official who were observing the ballot count could not be allowed. 

I need to submit ATU Section 22 charges against brother Cleveland. But it requires time invested in a petition—and it will most likely be thrown out by President Pennie. 

As I have learned in the past, our International President John "The King" Costa supports the undemocratic acts of ATU local presidents who support him. 

The time I spend trying to get signatures could be used organizing and helping coworkers. It could also be used in building up my campaign to run for ATU Local 308 president. 

However, I will accept any assistance in putting ATU charges on him. I will not accept going along with lawsuits or police action. 

So in the very least I will complain publicly about my fellow official. My union brother. I also hope to find a new path toward reconciliation with him. I am open to making peace with him. As I may become the next Local 308 president, I will need to work with him on some level (assuming he is still in office at the time).

Ironically, I actually think he does a good job as our Secretary-Treasurer. He is so much better than the previous one. He actually seems to care about our finances and shares with me detailed reports when I ask—with no ridiculous obstacles.

Yet there is something in him that hates or fears what I believe in. Even when I attempted to compliment him at a board meeting, he became irate. He seems hyper-sensitive and easily frustrated.

I have no fear of him nor any other official or manager. When they are wrong, I let them know. When the are right, I make it known. However, when they attempt to punish, provoke violence and lie about their intentions, I will do everything in my power to stop them non-violently.

Violence, intimidation and retaliation by union officials against union members is an ongoing problem in Chicago. That includes CTA mismanagement. I have written a number of articles about it. 

• Silence Dissent By Any Means Necessary
• How Our Union Is Dying
• Violence Culture of CTA Mismanagement

This problems keeps members from participating and encourages corruption. It needs to stop. One way to make it stop is to expose it.

Moreover, many members seem to believe that violent behavior—such as his and the previous Local 308 president and the current Local 241 president—is acceptable!

Look at these screenshots of a thread from a private Facebook Group for ATU Local 308 members (the member's mention of President Dixon's attempts to run me over with his car are explained in this article and video):

One day, our leadership will not suck. In hopes of making that a reality, that is why I do what I do. What's your opinion? Be sure to comment and share.