Charlotte Area Transit System Drivers Vote Teamsters

Charlotte Area Transit System Drivers Vote Teamsters

CATS Drivers Pounce on Teamster Representation

December 2, 2003

(Charlotte, NC) – By an overwhelming vote of 372 for the Teamsters, 40 for the United Transportation Union and five “no union” votes, bus drivers at the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) voted today in favor of joining the Teamsters Union. The drivers showed their determination to become Teamsters throughout the brief but intense organizing campaign.

“This election shows that workers want a strong voice in the workplace,” said Teamsters Local 71 President Ted Russell. “Joining the Teamsters will give these workers their strongest voice ever.”

Safety is a primary concern to the CATS drivers. “The equipment needs maintenance to ensure safe operations and danger can develop when drivers are alone on the streets,” said Corzella Curry, a three-year driver. “By joining a strong union, the CATS drivers will see their concerns addressed.”

The National Labor Relations Board opened the election office at 5:00 a.m. to a massive line of workers intent on voting for the Teamsters. The election was held in three shifts and ended at 8:00 p.m. At each of the shifts, workers showed increasing enthusiasm. This enthusiasm was evident from day one, said Rick Hernandez, an organizer from the Teamsters Union.

“These drivers have carried out an effective campaign,” Hernandez said. “They were committed at every step of the way—from getting the community involved to getting out today’s vote.” Pandora Smith, a two-year driver, and John Wakefield, a 10-year driver, echoed the excitement. “We wanted our union to work for us, talk to management and back us up,” the two drivers stated.

Teamsters Local 71 has a history of negotiating strong contracts in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.