CHICAGO (AP) — The union representing Chicago Transit Authority rail workers has come out against an extension of a jobs program for felons.
The decision by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308 to oppose the Second Chance program that provides felons with temporary jobs cleaning buses and trains could mean the loss of jobs for 63 people.
CTA President Dorval Carter announced last year Local 308 and ATU Local 241, which represents bus workers, had agreed in principle with the CTA to extend the program before it was to expire.
Local 308 President Kenneth Franklin says Carter’s statement that an agreement was reached was “premature” because membership hadn’t yet voted. Franklin says membership since has voted not to extend the program
In a statement, Carter said Local 308’s decision is “shortsighted, unfortunate and surprising.”
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