Employee Safety Concerns Among Issues Addressed as Union and CDT Make Progress on Noneconomic Contract Proposals

| October 4, 2018

Teamsters Local 727 and Cook DuPage Transportation, Inc., a subsidiary of National Express, made significant progress on noneconomic contract proposals following productive bargaining sessions on Monday, October 1st and Tuesday, October 2nd.  Throughout the latest bargaining sessions, Local 727 pressed CDT management to address employee safety issues, disciplinary procedures, and outstanding noneconomic proposals.

“The safety of our members is a top priority for this Union,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.  “Since day one of negotiations we have made it clear to CDT that major changes are needed in order to guarantee employees can safely perform their duties.  This Union will not rest until those changes become reality.”

Thanks to the Union’s unwavering determination, Local 727 has secured tentative agreements which ensure the safety of drivers, improve employee working conditions, and enhance job protections, including:

Safe Vehicles

  • Drivers will not be required to transport abusive passengers or customers who refuse to wear proper safety restraints.
  • A driver’s refusal to transport abusive passengers will in no way constitute grounds for discipline.
  • CDT will make every effort to avoid assigning a driver to a customer who has previously been abusive towards that employee.
  • Supervisors will be responsible for providing drivers with all proper safety equipment.

Working Conditions

  • All drivers will be entitled to a 30 minute paid lunch break.
  • All vehicles will be reasonably clean and free of any infestations.
  • Employees will be treated with respect and dignity at all times.

Job Protections & Discipline

  • CDT must establish an employee received any relevant Company handbooks, policies, and rules prior to issuing discipline.
  • A Union steward will be present at all disciplinary meetings unless an employee explicitly states in writing that they do not wish to have a steward present.
  • Pace retraining forms do not constitute discipline and cannot be used as a basis for discipline.
  • Separate disciplinary tracks will be maintained for specific disciplinary infractions.

Local 727 aims to continue enhancing and streamlining the grievance process during the parties’ next meeting.

“Grievance procedures are the cornerstones to our collective bargaining agreements.  An expeditious grievance procedure guarantees our members are protected and ensures compliance with the CBA,” emphasized Coli.

The parties’ next bargaining session is scheduled for Monday, October 22nd.

Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.

Category: PARATRANSIT

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