Workers and riders protest transit layoffs and cuts in Chicago
Monday, December 14, 2009
By: Stefanie Fisher
Fight back! An injury to one is an injury to all!
Holding
their placards high, over 150 Chicago Transit Authority workers, riders and
community supporters picketed and rallied on the morning of Dec. 9 outside a
meeting of the CTA board. The majority of the workers present were union bus
drivers who are locked in a struggle with the powers that be in the city to
save their jobs.
CTA
executives have sent pink slips to approximately 2,000 workers. Other CTA
budget cuts will slash bus service by 18 percent and train service by 9
percent.
The
determined crowd marched in sub-zero weather, demanding an end to service cuts
and layoffs. "No service cuts!” and “Chop from the top!" were popular
chants.
Carlos Acevedo of Local 241 of the Amalgamated Transit Union; Robert Kelly,
president of ATU Local 308; and Heather Benno of NoCTACuts.org and the Party
for Socialism and Liberation spoke at a short rally at the end of the picket.
The
criminal service cuts and layoffs are scheduled to go into effect on Feb. 7,
2010. CTA executives, who all make six-figure salaries and are appointees of
Mayor Daley and Governor Quinn, are using the economic crisis as an excuse to
wage a vicious assault on workers and transit riders.
To get involved in the struggle to stop the service
cuts and layoffs, go to NoCTAcuts.org.
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