First Transit Representatives Walk Out of Negotiations on Third Day of Bargaining
Negotiations ended early today with Company representatives walking out of negotiations after the Union stood up for the Drivers and Dispatchers at First Transit Chicago.
After presenting an insulting offer yesterday that was overwhelmingly panned by the Union’s Bargaining Committee and rank and file members, the Company said they were just going to leave because the Union did not budge on the majority of their proposals. After a childish comment was muttered by the Company lawyer, Brandon Gearhart, the Union made it abundantly clear that the Company’s continued disrespect for its Employees will not be tolerated.
“We will not let the promise of an early Agreement push us to agree to less,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “Members have filled out a record number of demands sheets calling for better health care and parity with the other paratransit operators. If the other operators can pay their employees, so can First Transit.”
There are no future bargaining dates scheduled. The current Agreement expires on 3/31/2023. The Union will continue to update membership on the status of negotiations.
Members with questions should reach out to Business Agent David Glass at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
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: BENEFIT FUNDS, Union News
