7.01.22 – APFA ORD Base Brief – ORD CTA Riders

Friday, July 1, 2022

ORD CTA Riders,

Many CTA riders have experienced ongoing problems traveling on the CTA, including delays, “phantom” trains, sudden loss of service, and safety concerns. All of these issues can lead to last-minute trips through Ride Share services that can cost hundreds of dollars. Scrambling for alternate transportation at the last minute can often risk a Late Report (LR) leading to unnecessary conversations requesting an LR removal due to something entirely out of our control.

ORD APFA Reps are communicating with the Chicago Federation of Labor and the Airport Labor Council regarding the issue. We are committed to working collaboratively with all airline and airport unions, along with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) which represents transit workers. Our voice is stronger when we work together and our collective work will benefit all CTA riders.

Along with communicating with other local unions, we are communicating with the local Alderman. The city of Chicago is comprised of 50 different wards. Each ward is represented by a different Alderman elected to a four-year term. These elected officials do not run the CTA; however they hold the CTA Board of Directors accountable.

We are stronger in numbers. Here are some ways we can make an impact on improving the CTA for everyone. This is not something only Flight Attendants can do to help. Talk to agents. Ramp workers. Pilots. Customer Service Agents. Neighbors. Anyone can make an impact.

1. Reside in Chicago? Contact your Alderman! In speaking with different Ald. offices, we have learned that these emails have a HUGE impact. In your communication to your Alderman, include your address so they know you are a constituent of theirs that can hold them accountable. We have been told that just five or more emails can be enough for these elected officials to address these matters.

   How have you been impacted? Have you received a Late Report because of the CTA? Have you had to speak to management in the hopes they don’t give any sort of discipline? Have you had to spend money at the last minute to get to work? Have you lost a banked point due to the CTA causing you to be late? Have you felt unsafe on the train? There are numerous examples of how the CTA has let us down. Make your letters personal! Show them the real-world impact!

Click here to find your Alderman

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa has called for a public hearing with the Committee on Transportation and Public Way. The date has not been set. This is an additional opportunity to offer public testimony directly to the people who run the CTA. We will communicate the date of this hearing in future communications.

2. You can also contact the CTA directly. The CTA has a feedback email to which they respond. Please make all your CTA concerns known to them. The more voices adding to our frustration, the better.

 CTA email feedback

CTA Switchboard: 1-888-968-7282

In Solidarity,

John McCullough
ORD Government Affairs Rep 
[email protected]