Skyway Toll Collectors Win New Contract

Chicago Skyway toll collectors were able to work out their differences and secure a new three-year contract that gives them a living wage and critical new job protections, Teamsters Local 727 announced.

The 30 toll collectors ratified the new agreement with the Skyway Concession Company on Wednesday, after threatening to go on strike during the travel-heavy Labor Day holiday weekend.

“Because our members stood together and made their voices heard, the union and our bargaining committee were able to stay strong throughout these difficult contract negotiations,” announced John Coli Jr., president of Teamsters Local 727, which represents the Skyway toll collectors. “The union never once considered bowing down to management’s unreasonable demands, and we vehemently fought for what matters most to our members.”

The new contract expires July 3, 2018, and includes wage increases. Also, for the first time, the collectors’ collective bargaining agreement guarantees full-time positions and limits the company’s use of a seasonal workforce, according to a union press release.

“These job protections and guarantees are a huge win for our members,” Coli said. “The company no longer will have the unlimited ability to hire temporary employees while our members sit at home, ready, willing and able to work.”

Skyway Concession Company presented the Local 727 bargaining committee with its last, best and final contract offer after a marathon negotiation meeting on August 31, the last day of a two-month contract extension.

Union members had already begun assembling picket signs, creating banners and gathering support from Teamsters in Illinois and northwest Indiana. The public was also warned that a possible work stoppage could cause extensive delays on the 7.8 mile connection between Chicago Dan Ryan Expressway and the Indiana Toll Road.

“Our members received an outpouring of community support, which only strengthened their resolve,” Coli claimed. “We are glad that the company finally listened to the workers and the public and came to the bargaining table to work with the union to reach a fair agreement.”