The CTA's Juneteenth Travesty

Read other contributions under the label Grease Monkey D Dragon.

Some bargained for employees have been conned to think they get the Federal, State, County, City of Chicago holiday of Juneteenth on June 19th. 

Someone needs to remind the 73% black bargained-for workforce at the CTA: Once again—for the third year in a row—we have been duped by the CTA presidents. 

This is a list of workers and their % of black workforce enjoying a paid day off on June 19th (this disturbs me to no end). If they can have it, why not us?

Like the denial of Paid Sick Leave, Junteenth is another way leadership exploits the workers at CTA.

It could also be an easy gain in negotiations to gain another paid holiday. 

In keeping with our confusing holidays, we could negotiate that all employees receive a floating personal holiday that can be used prior shift without fear of write up. This Juneteenth day would be available to all ATU bargained-for workers after 30 days of employment and available to full-time,part-time, temporary and Second Chance. 

We can honor the ancestors who suffered after slavery was abolished—and also honor the CTA workers who suffered after management refused Paid Sick Leave as the entire state of Illinois abolished this oppression. 

Just like the state of Texas not acknowledging the law of the land until Juneteenth, the CTA must make amends and acknowledge the Holiday and Paid Sick Leave. 

The opinions expressed by guest bloggers here or in Shop Talk newsletter are not necessarily the opinion or sanctioned policies and actions by Brother Eric Curtis Muhammad Basir, ATU Local 308 members, elected leadership or stewards. In the spirit of the First Amendment and the ATU Obligation, all CTA workers and supporters are welcome to submit content of any point-of-view for this blog. Real identities will be hidden upon request.