A Huge Win for ATU in Illinois as Locals Help Secure $1.5 Billion Transportation Funding Bill
Transit in Chicago faced a funding crisis. Agencies projected thousands of layoffs and deep service cuts in 2026 without new revenue.
Our Chicago Locals 241 and 308, with the help of the International, the Illinois AFL-CIO, and allies, waged an aggressive campaign to save the system.
The ATU took action. Members testified in the statehouse, rallied riders, and contacted their legislators. Local leaders pushed statehouse leaders. Their work paid off, and a massive bill was passed to secure critical public transit funding.
“We could not be prouder of our members and our Locals for their efforts,” said International President John Costa. “Because they stepped up, we now have legislation that benefits riders, strengthens safety through a dedicated transit police force, and protects the jobs, wages, and benefits of our ATU members.”
“We won $1.5 billion in operating funding for Chicago and downstate transit, said Local 308 President/Business Agent Pennie McCoach. “We saved thousands of jobs at CTA, PACE, and Metra and made a historic investment in transit.”
The law sets transit up for safety and success. Chicagoland buses must include shields protecting operators by 2028 – and management must consult with our Locals on their design. The bill creates a law enforcement task force and transit ambassador program. The long-term, sustainable funding gives transit systems across the state much-needed security.
“We know this bill means that our members’ jobs are safer, our riders will see better service, and our region’s transit system will be stronger. This is a win for union members and a win for riders who rely on buses and trains,” Local 241 President/Business Agent Keith Hill.
“Many of our transit agencies are facing similar fiscal challenges, and this successful campaign provides a roadmap of how we can win,” said Costa.