Local 727 Files Unfair Labor Charges Against CDT for Unlawful Actions
Teamsters Local 727 has filed unfair labor practice charges against Cook-DuPage Transportation (CDT) to uphold a settlement agreement and enforce labor laws protecting workers’ wages and job classifications.
On Dec. 26, 2016, Local 727 and CDT reached agreement to ensure all drivers, including those not already in training, would begin receiving the company’s van wage rate. The settlement was spurred by CDT’s decision in May 2015 to eliminate cars from its fleet of vehicles and begin solely utilizing vans for all customer and client transportation. Shortly after the transition, however, Local 727 was notified that CDT continued to incorrectly pay the car wage rate to many drivers — despite the fact that all bargaining unit employees were operating vans in violation of the collective bargaining agreement.
Local 727 promptly filed a grievance and demanded CDT correct its wage rates. In December, the union and the employer effectively settled the grievance and entered the settlement agreement.
Now, less than a month following the agreement, CDT has attempted to use the settlement to unilaterally and unlawfully change existing D-van route bids and schedules, as well as its accommodation practices with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The agreement only made clear that Teamster-represented drivers must be paid the accurate van wage rate.
“CDT’s attempt to displace long-term employees who have dedicated their lives to the company is shameful,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “The settlement language is clear — CDT has to pay all drivers the van rate, period. CDT’s attempt to shirk its responsibilities and agreements under the settlement by trying to alter existing bids is a violation of the settlement and labor law itself. The Teamsters will not stand for such irresponsible behavior.”
As a result of CDT’s actions, Local 727 has filed unfair labor practice charges and further grievances to enforce the settlement and protect approximately 300 bargaining unit employees.
The union will continue to update CDT Teamsters on this issue. Anyone with questions should contact Local 727 Business Representative Donnie Von Moore at (847) 696-7500 or via email at [email protected].
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Category: PARATRANSIT, Union News
