The Alarm

Dear CTA mismanagers: 

I know you fear me. 

But in Truth, I am nothing to fear. 

I am just a harmless alarm. 

It’s my coworkers’ dissatisfaction that you should fear!

It is like a tornado, tsunami or carbon monoxide gas. 

You can’t make it go away with cute socks, lapel pins, stress balls, pizza or donuts. Writeups, threats, police or bullets may silence the alarm. But the disaster will eventually overwhelm you.

It starts with respect—something you demand from us, but refuse to give to us. 

You are really lucky to have agents in the Amalgamated Transit Union. 

They do a fine job helping you save money and keeping a lid on our discontent. 

However, my coworkers see what you are doing and they will will eventually take our union back from you. 

When that happens, there will be no more warnings. 

The rage of workers and riders who you have exploited since 1979 will be fully manifested. 

Then you will say: I wish we heeded the warner and his warning.