CDT Returns to Negotiations without Significantly Improved Economic Offer

Teamsters Local 727 and Cook DuPage Transportation, Inc., a subsidiary of National Express, returned to the bargaining table on Friday, February 28.

When the parties last met, CDT representatives presented the Union bargaining committee with a substandard wage proposal.  Not only did this proposal, the first economic proposal made by CDT since negotiations began, offer minimal wage raises for CDT members, it also offered no severance pay for Customer Service Representatives and Recon employees who will be affected by the call center’s upcoming closure.

Despite Local 727’s demand that the Company return to the bargaining table with an improved economic proposal, CDT representatives arrived to negotiations on Friday with an offer that showed no significant improvement.  In light of CDT’s lack of movement, Local 727 made it clear to Company representatives that the Union bargaining committee will not recommend ratifying a contract that does not include fair wages, 401(k) improvements, and reasonable severance for affected CSRs and Recon workers.

“CDT members deserve nothing less than fair compensation, benefits, and severance for their hard work and years of service,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.  “I urge all CDT members to prepare themselves.  If we remain united, we will have the power to win this fight.”

The Union’s extension agreement with CDT is set to expire on Sunday, March 15.  If an agreement is not reached by the final day of negotiations—which is currently scheduled for Monday, March 16—Local 727 may conduct a vote to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike.  For more answers to some commonly asked questions regarding ULP strikes, please see below.

ULP Strike Frequently Asked Questions: 

Do CDT members have the right to strike?

YES: Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) gives workers, like yourselves, “the right…to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.”  The right to strike is considered a “concerted” activity and, therefore, protected by the NLRA.  The Union bargaining committee will decide whether a strike authorization vote is necessary following the parties’ last day of negotiations on Monday, March 16.

What is an Unfair Labor Practice strike?

An Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike is a strike conducted to protest the unfair labor practice(s) committed by an Employer.  It is Local 727’s position that your employer, CDT, has committed unfair labor practices during negotiations.  As a result, the Union has filed a ULP charge against CDT which is currently active with Region 13 of the National Labor Relations Board.

What job protections will CDT members have if they initiate a ULP strike?

Employees who go on strike to protest the unfair labor practices of their employer (in this case CDT) CANNOT be discharged or permanently replaced by the employer without violating federal law.  According to the National Labor Relations Board website, when a ULP strike ends, “employees are entitled to have their jobs back even if employees hired to do their work [during the strike] have to be discharged.”

What out-of-work benefits does the IBT provide to striking Teamsters?

Under the International Brotherhood of Teamsters constitution, eligible Teamster members may receive out-of-work benefits equivalent to five times their hourly dues rate, with a minimum benefit of $150 per week, beginning on the eighth day of their strike.

Members with questions should contact Local 727 Business Representative Donnie Von Moore at (773) 403-1032 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: PARATRANSIT