727 Negotiates Hazard Pay for Skyway Employees In Light of COVID-19
Teamsters Local 727 is proud to announce Toll Collectors at Chicago Skyway will receive “Appreciation Pay” from the company after the Union and its members demanded the company recognize the risk members are faced with daily during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) health pandemic. Not only will the Local 727 Toll Collectors will receive an additional $2 an hour until April 30th, but the Union was able to make the hazard pay incentive retroactive to March 16th for all hours previously worked. Additionally, the Union was able to secure an extension on any unused 2019 vacation—instead of having to take it by June 2020, the company has agreed to allow members to have until September 2020 to use any remaining 2019 vacation.
Toll Collectors daily job duties put them in direct contact daily with dozens, if not hundreds, of members of the public—many of whom are also working essential jobs, making them high-risk themselves. The customer service duties require interaction and personal contact with tollway users. Because of the close contact, inevitably, toll collectors and their families are at a higher risk of contracting the virus.
“I’m happy that the Chicago Skyway recognizes that their Teamsters workers are an essential part of not just making the tollway run, but in keeping other essential workers on the road and providing indispensable services to our communities. Without these essential workers, our city would not run,” said John Coli Jr, Secretary-Treasurer. “During this international health crisis and national economic hardship, companies are going to be remembered most by how they treated their employees during this time. I hope Skyway continues to protect and pay their essential workers. We must protect those who are making it so the majority of the public can stay home,” added Coli.
The “Appreciation Pay” agreement not only provides additional compensation but also values the hard work and sacrifice of toll collectors and highlights the role they play in ensuring other essential workers secure safe and efficient passage between Indiana and Illinois via the Chicago Skyway. The Skyway Concession Company joins other Teamsters Local 727 employers that have stepped up during this challenging and uncertain time, and answered the Union’s demands to protect and pay their frontline, essential employees. While companies like the Skyway Concession Company, Keurig Dr Pepper, and Pepsi have provided a hazard pay incentive to those risking their health and potentially their families’ health daily, there are still many that have not. The Union has and will continue to demand that every employer with members still working provide the appropriate protective equipment and pay frontline workers hazard pay.
Members with questions should contact Business Agent Sean McGough at (847) 696-7500.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Category: Skyway
