What Is A Local 308 Union Steward?

In the diverse universe of industrial and trade unionism, union stewards are supposed to be the first line of defense for the workers and the Contract at work—in the stations, terminals and shops. 

Not so at the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308. 

We are unique in the ATU as Section 23 of our bylaws define us as only needing to be “recommended” by Executive Board members and approved through a vote at the membership meeting. 

That means we can have an unlimited amount of stewards and the process to recruit them is more accessible and democratic than the General Elections (which have cumbersome meeting requirements for eligibility to run).

We can—and should—always have at least two stewards for every shift at every work location. 

Ironically, the Local 308 presidents do not follow the bylaws regarding stewards. 

Local 308 union stewards are suspiciously selected—and discriminated against if they are not loyal—by the presidents. I know, from personal experience! Members demanded my presence. But the president at the time, Eric Dixon, denied them their requests. Sometimes he sent no one.

We are used and abused by Local 308 presidents to protect corrupt relationships with CTA mismanagers, control the membership, silence dissent and promote an agenda of loyalty to the president. 

I am proud to say I have never succumbed to that dynamic. That includes a handful of others. 

Ironically, I had to fight President Dixon and Secretary-Treasurer Deborah Cosey-Lane to get into a class. They made unsophisticated justifications about blocking me. But eventually they had to give in. 

Their fear of me—and inability to silence my voice—was the only True reason. And they haven’t stopped trying. 

Dixon went so far as to make a unwritten agreement with CTA mismanagement to block me from representing Local 308 in “discipline” interviews and all other cases. He also tried to run me over with his car after refusing to answer questions from members after canceling the third membership meeting in a row. 

As a union steward of two years, I have had the trust of many coworkers in their constant battles against wicked CTA mismanagers. I visit with members. I follow up on cases. I instruct them. They instruct me. I stand with them in protests and at work. 

Members who seek my help are never shamed about their cases—even if they slander me. I fight to the bitter end in support of them. I NEVER, EVER take the side of our employer—even when the coworker may be in the wrong. Unless they advise otherwise, I never, ever give in. I even fight union officials who hurt or disrespect the members. 

I am not at all “fair” to CTA mismanagement because they have never been “fair” to us. All they do is take, threaten, punish and repeat. I have seen it first-hand. This includes collusion with ATU Chicago officials to punish outspoken members and force concessions down the throat of members. 

This is not an attempt to elevate myself. 

It is a testimony—through citations of my personal experience—of our potential if we make sure the Local 308 president follows Section 23 of the bylaws. When we empower Local 308 stewards to TRULY be the first line of defense, we will be on our way to becoming a REAL UNION. 

If you are not already registered for my Virtual Union Hall, do it now. I now teach my own Steward Classes. If I win president, I plan on building a bigger and better class.