Union Successfully Secures New Tentative Agreements and Contract Extension with CDT
Teamsters Local 727 and Cook DuPage Transportation, a subsidiary of National Express, continue to make progress on the negotiation of a successor collective bargaining agreement covering more than 750 Teamsters employed by the paratransit company. During the parties’ meeting on Tuesday, October 30th, the Local 727 bargaining committee succeeded in securing multiple tentative agreements with CDT as well as a contract extension agreement.
The Union achieved a major victory by reaching a tentative agreement that requires CDT to rebid all schedules by seniority following the Company’s facility change. As part of the rebid, CDT must also include some 8 hour opportunities for D-Van drivers, unless the Company can demonstrate that 8 hour shifts are not operationally possible.
Throughout negotiations, CDT has pressed for a drastic expansion in the Company’s ability to implement and utilize new technologies. And each time the proposal has been presented the Union has flatly rejected it. Local 727 has argued that the current contract provision is adequate and requires no alteration. Because the Union remained steadfast, this issue was resolved on Tuesday when Local 727 succeeded in convincing CDT to essentially maintain the current contract language.
This week, CDT management finally presented the Union with a wage-only economic proposal. Despite the Company’s assurances last week, CDT allegedly still has not been informed by Pace of the terms of its extended contract. Local 727, on the other hand, proposed a comprehensive economic package on day one of negotiations which included wage raises, increases in paid time off, and enhanced benefits. CDT has yet to respond to these proposals.
The Union expects CDT to present a full economic package proposal as soon as it receives confirmation from Pace. Therefore, the Local 727 bargaining committee and CDT have agreed to a two-week contract extension that includes full retroactivity. As such, EMPLOYEES ARE TO CONTINUE TO REPORT TO WORK AS NORMAL. The agreement extends the contract through November 15, 2018.
“While these negotiations may be progressing slowly,” added Coli, “with each bargaining session the Union successfully secures more and more of our members’ demands. The bargaining committee is eager to keep this momentum going.”
The parties are next scheduled to meet on Wednesday, November 7th at 9:30 a.m. to continue negotiations. The Union will continue to keep members updated on the progress of negotiations.
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
