Nov. 10, OCCUPY CHICAGO STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE CTA

[mejones]

Reposted from home page so more people see it and come out:

Where: Kennedy-King College, 740 W. 63rd St
When: begins at 6pm, but we encourage people to arrive at 5:30

The workers of Chicago are under attack by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the 1%. The City of Chicago is currently trying to split the 99% by pitting Chicagoans against Chicago Transit Authority workers, who are trying to protect against policies, practices, and cuts which unfairly punish and demonize workers in this city. Occupy Chicago will stand with the public transit workers at the CTA Public Hearing on Thursday, November 10 at Kennedy-King College, 740 W. 63rd St. The event begins at 6pm, but we encourage people to arrive at 5:30. The struggles of nurses, teachers, citizens, librarians, transit workers, and Occupiers are one and the same struggle. The City of Chicago must learn that they cannot divide its us!

Use #OccupyTransit, and get this message trending globally!

[Bearhair]

I researched the commentary on the Net about some of the contract clauses that the CTA wants to eliminate. While some are exaggerations or taken out of contect, as written some do seem reasonable. I'm finding it a tough call on whether to support them today, or wait until the actual negotiations begin and we can get more transparency. The articles I found include:

http://www.chicagonow.com/cta-tattler/2011/10/ctas-examples-of-antiquated-union-work-rules/

http://www.chicagonow.com/cta-tattler/2011/10/claypool-rail-union-chief-kelly-go-head-to-head-its-not-pretty/

http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/10439278/ilwe-wont-raise-fares-unlessctas-warning-union-asked-to-take-big-concessions-to-close-budget-gap

http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/8301918-474/editorial-for-sake-of-riders-cta-must-take-on-unions.html

[CriscoKidd]

Hello All,

This is pasted from an email I received from, 'Riders for Better Transit' --please visit the website for more information and to send emails to Cook County Board Members regarding CTA fund cuts.

http://www.activetrans.org

salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50110/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6821

"ACTION ALERT: Stop CTA funding cuts by Cook County!
Riders for Better Transit -- contact Cook County officials


Dear friend,

Last week, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and several Cook County Commissioners proposed slashing county funding for the CTA by two-thirds, from $2 million to just $675,000. Join us in sending a clear message to our Cook County officials that our elected leaders need to increase investment in transit -- not cut funding -- if we want to end the cycle of fare increases and service cuts!

TAKE ACTION NOW: Stop CTA funding cuts by Cook County!

The $1.3 million that Cook County is proposing to cut would directly increase the risk of service cuts and fare hikes for CTA riders. Not only would CTA have to make up the $1.3 million elsewhere, but the cut would jeopardize an additional $128 million that the Regional Transportation Authority normally provides to the CTA -- because state law stipulates that this funding is dependent on a minimum contribution from Cook County and the City of Chicago.

Please tell President Preckwinkle and our Cook County Commissioners that CTA’s service is vital not just to the City of Chicago, but to the region, and to retract this proposal and keep Cook County’s CTA funding intact. The Cook County Board meets tomorrow, so please act now!

TAKE ACTION NOW: Stop CTA funding cuts by Cook County!

Riders for Better Transit is a project of the Active Transportation Alliance, in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council.


Active Transportation Alliance
312.427.3325 http://www.activetrans.org"