University of Chicago Shuttle Bus Drivers Ratify First Teamster CBA
Just a few short months after 100% of participants voted “YES” for Teamsters Local 727 representation, 47 University of Chicago shuttle bus drivers employed by First Transit have ratified their first Teamster collective bargaining agreement. On Saturday, October 20, 2018, the newest members of Local 727 overwhelmingly voted to ratify a three-year agreement which includes wage raises, paid time off, and job protection clauses.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome our new Teamster Brothers and Sisters and congratulate them on ratifying their first union contract,” said Local 727 Secretary-Treasurer John Coli, Jr.
The new First Transit members will see their wages increase an average of 21% over the life of the three-year agreement. The Union’s new agreement also provides these employees with PTO benefits, including the addition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a paid holiday, 5 paid sick days per year and paid personal days for full-time employees, as well as increased paid vacation time.
The new University of Chicago CBA also states that drivers must be offered the same healthcare plans as other employees, including non-union staff, guarantees the single rate 75/25% healthcare premium split will be maintained for the duration of the contract, and provides workers with the opportunity to participate in the Company’s 401k plan with the Company matching 50% of the first 6% of employee contributions.
Local 727’s new agreement with First Transit stipulates that members cannot be disciplined or terminated without “just cause” and includes crucial job protections such as a grievance and arbitration procedure.
“The Union worked to negotiate a contract for our newest First Transit members that is in-line with the transportation industry standards Local 727 has fought hard to secure over the last decade,” added Coli. “This is a strong first agreement that truly demonstrates the value of a union contract.”
Members with questions should contract Business Representative 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 additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Category: PARATRANSIT
