Legislation will protect jobs, expand transit service, improve safety, protect wages and benefits
Springfield, IL – After an aggressive grassroots political campaign waged by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Locals across Illinois, the Illinois General Assembly passed a massive $1.5 billion bill to secure critical public transit funding.
“We could not be prouder of our members, our Locals, and every front-line worker who leafleted, talked with riders, wrote the letter to legislators, and worked shoulder-to-shoulder with community and labor allies,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Because you showed up at the State Capitol, on the platforms, in the bus yards and train stations, 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 thank the Illinois Legislature for passing this bill and delivering for working families and transit riders alike.”
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act will be fueled by revenue that currently feed the state's Road Fund and other sources. This transformational investment lays the groundwork to improve service, shorten travel times, and enhance rider safety. The bill also changes the region's transit governance, transitioning the RTA to the NITA and creating new requirements to coordinate service, plan strategically, and better support riders.
“On behalf of our members, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to IP Costa, the International, and every member that mobilized for this fight,” said Keith Hill, Local 241-Chicago, IL, President/Business Agent. “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 every community that relies on buses and trains to get to work, school, or home.”
“Local 308 members have been on the front lines every day, keeping transit moving, and now we have a commitment that our work will be supported and expanded,” said Pennie McCoach, Local 308-Chicago, IL, President/Business Agent. “This legislation protects our wages and benefits, improves rider safety, and opens the door to service expansions our communities badly need.”
Transit systems in the Chicago area faced a projected budget shortfall that could have resulted in service cuts of up to 40%. With stable funding, service cuts and major layoffs of transit workers have been avoided, and replaced by the opportunity for expansion and modernization.
“This is a new chapter for public transit in Illinois,” said Costa. “Our ATU members showed what happens when they organize, speak up, and fight for a future that works. Now we roll up our sleeves and get to work delivering for our riders and communities.”