Coalition is first of its kind, cross-sector group uniting more than 30 unions.
The Illinois AFL-CIO and Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) have announced the launch of the Labor Alliance for Public Transit, an historic, first of its kind coalition with more than 30 local unions working in tandem to preserve and expand access to public transit across Illinois.
“We need an empowered, regional public transit system that provides reliable, safe and accessible transportation to all,” stated Bob Reiter, president of the CFL. “The Labor Alliance for Public Transit knows our region is faced with a choice and is working across sectors to find new, sustainable ways to fund transit and invest in the future of our region’s transportation systems.”
The Labor Alliance will propose solutions to address the $730 million fiscal cliff the Northeastern Illinois transit systems under the RTA face in 2026. If left unaddressed, the CTA, Metra, and Pace could face dramatic cuts, including major lay-offs, route or line eliminations, service cuts, station closures, and cancellation of capital improvement projects. These drastic measures would put our communities at risk, will further damage the region’s transit systems, and cause massive disruptions to the Illinois economy and workforce.
“The time to act and fully fund our transit system is now. Transportation is a necessity for people across Illinois to safely get to work, school, and access medical care,” remarked Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “If we do not address the transit fiscal cliff, we are failing the millions of riders who rely on public transit day in and day out. Our coalition is committed to finding a solution to this fiscal cliff that best serves the individuals who build, maintain, and operate our transit systems and the riders who rely on them.”
Illinois operates the second largest transportation system in the country, with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) covering the City of Chicago and nearby suburbs delivering nearly three billion rides annually. The six-county Chicago region also is served by Metra, with 11 lines and 241 stations, and an annual ridership of more than 81 million, and Pace, the suburban bus agency, with more than 39 million riders.
The Labor Alliance for Public Transit includes Illinois locals from the following international unions: Amalgamated Transit Union; American Train Dispatchers Union; International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers; United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America – Mid America Carpenters; Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen; Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division – International Brotherhood of Teamsters; and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen.
Also, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers; International Union of Operating Engineers; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades; Laborers International Union of North America; National Conference of Firemen and Oilers; Service Employees International Union; Sheet Metal, Aerospace, Rail and Transportation Union; United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada, and others.