Labor Express Radio Audio Extra: Chicago bus driver and elected ATU Local 241 board member denounces CTA management’s suspension for discussing solidarity with anti-police brutality protesters.

CTA Bus Driver and elected executive board member of ATU Local 241 Erek Slater is fighting an unlawful suspension by CTA management who have repeatedly harassed him and his fellow bus drivers, denying them their 1st amendment rights as well as violating labor law and union contract protections. It appears that at the heart of the harassment is the bus drivers' discussions of how they should respond to the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International's position that bus drivers have a right not to cooperate with police in their operations against anti-police brutality protesters. Around the country, especially in NYC and in Minneapolis, bus drivers, in solidarity with the protesters, have refused to cooperate with the police. A unknown number of Chicago bus drivers have done the same but have faced varying levels of disciplining or threats from CTA management. It appears that CTA management is uncomfortable with employees even discussing the issue on their own time and in spaces designated for union discussions. At a press conference at Federal Plaza on Monday, Erek Slater spoke along with his lawyer and other assembled supporters about the situation. Erek covers a lot of ground in his speech speaking to not only the ATU's position on the anti-police brutality protesters, but also the ongoing concerns over COVID-19 which has claimed the lives of an inordinate number of transit workers around the country. Erek Slater speaks here in his own capacity and not representing the CTA or ATU.

Thanks to Labor Express Radio reporter Michelle Burke for capturing the audio of the press conference.

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