Tollway Talks Back On
Rumors of tech-driven layoffs NOT TRUE
Negotiations between SEIU Local 73 and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority will resume on Tuesday June 9.
The goal is to work out a new contract for roughly 700 hard-working members of our union. They have been working without a contract since December 31, 2008.
Bargaining sessions are also scheduled on June 22 and 24.
“The Authority finally started to have dialog with the union and gave us several significant proposals,” said Local 73 Union Representative Terri Barnett. “But I want to make it really clear that negotiations are not over nor are the union and the Authority close to a tentative agreement.”
Barnett also stressed that recent rumors of imminent technology-driven layoffs at the Tollway are simply “NOT TRUE!!!”
“We are still working under the old contract.” Barnett said. “That contract clearly states that ‘no employee shall be laid off solely as the result of the Employer’s use of new electronic equipment at plazas or ramps.’”
“That means exactly that,” Barnett adds. No one can be let go “unless the union agrees to a layoff and we did not agree to remove this language or to any layoff.”
Here is what is really happening:
--- The Authority says it is currently analyzing the use of additional electronic equipment for the highway system and the decision to proceed is unknown at this time and may take another three years. I-Pass usage has grown significantly and the Authority says it may need less staff.
--- The Authority says it wants to keep the best interests of Local 73’s members in mind by offering an incentive to those who may want to leave.
--- Management also suggests that the union look at redefining the toll collectors work assignments and needs for peak traffic periods.
Please do not panic. Your job security is at stake here and we have a plan. In addition, one of our top demands is having the alternative retirement formula applied to all Tollway workers.
These are other issues will be discussed in further detail at membership meetings at several locations. The dates and times will be announced shortly.