CHICAGO — The Chicago Tribune reported that several hundred Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) employees protested alleged violations in a four-year labor agreement that the union ratified in December. The rail union workers claimed that CTA management is violating seniority rules that allow customer service employees at rail stations to select their work hours.
Union officials told the paper that newly hired part-time workers who are paid at a lower rate are being given priority over veteran employees to choose work shifts. When some of the new workers call in sick, the senior full-time workers are assigned on short notice to fill in on the shifts.
CTA management responded that it is following the labor agreement and deploying personnel "in a manner that best serves our customers at the busiest rail stations.'' For the full story, click here.
Chicago transit, rail union spar over seniority rules
Several hundred Chicago Transit Authority rail union employees protested alleged violations in a four-year labor agreement. The workers claimed that management is violating seniority rules that let customer service employees at rail stations select their work hours. The agency said it is following the agreement and scheduling employees to best serve riders at its busiest stations.
More Management

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience
The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.
Read More →
Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
Read More →
Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade
Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
Read More →
San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
Read More →
Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87
See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.
Read More →
Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
Read More →
SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
Read More →
Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
