#United States #Springfield #United We Move #Illinois Teamsters #RTA

Illinois Teamsters Advocate for Transit System Reform

In a collaborative effort to enhance the transportation infrastructure of Illinois, various labor organizations, including the Teamsters Joint Council 25, have thrown their support behind the proposed United We Move legislation. This initiative aims to address critical issues facing the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and its subsidiaries: the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace.

Background of the United We Move Legislation

As stated by prominent union leaders, the RTA is grappling with a significant budget shortfall exceeding $700 million. The Teamsters represent a considerable workforce employed within these transit systems, as well as thousands of riders who depend on these services for their daily commutes. The urgency for reform has never been more apparent, prompting the unions to unite under the United We Move banner.

The proposed legislation focuses on implementing better safety protocols, facilitating coordinated services among the RTA’s agencies, and reforming the governing boards to align more closely with the needs of workers, taxpayers, and commuters alike. Importantly, the legislation does not support the merger of the CTA, Metra, and Pace into a single entity, a move deemed counterproductive by many union members due to the potential for operational chaos and diminished service quality.

Voices of the Union Leaders

Thomas W. Stiede, President of the Teamsters Joint Council 25, alongside Cory Martin and Anthony Sessa from the BLET and BMWED respectively, have voiced their commitment to advocating for this legislation. They emphasize the necessity of not only addressing the existing financial dilemmas faced by the RTA but also ensuring improvements that will benefit the public transportation system for generations to come.

As outlined in a recent joint statement, “The Teamsters represent thousands of workers employed by the RTA under the three organizations it oversees. Our union also represents tens of thousands of workers who rely on these services to get to and from their jobs every day.” This highlights the broader impact of the legislation, which extends beyond the union membership.

Legislative Support and Collaboration

The push for the United We Move legislation boasts backing from key political figures such as State Senator Ram Villivalam and Assistant House Majority Leader Marcus Evans, alongside the multi-union collaboration known as the Labor Alliance for Public Transportation. This alliance encompasses not only the Teamsters but also other labor organizations with members working in RTA agencies. Such solidarity illustrates the importance of cross-union cooperation in achieving public policy goals.

Conclusion

As Illinois faces a serious transit funding crisis, the stakes couldn’t be higher for those who rely on the public transportation network. The United We Move legislation stands to reshape the future of transit in Illinois, providing a framework for sustainable and efficient services that prioritize the safety of workers and the commuting public. With strong union backing and a clear legislative proposal, the call for action is resounding. The Illinois Teamsters are poised to play a pivotal role in not only addressing immediate challenges but also shaping a durable transit system essential for the state's future prosperity.

For more information about the United We Move initiative and the Teamsters’ efforts, visit Teamster.org. Follow the Teamsters on X @Teamsters for updates.