Connect Transit settles labor dispute with former union leader

Connect Transit headquarters
the labor dispute has been going on for almost a year. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Connect Transit’s Board of Trustees has approved a settlement agreement with the former leader of the local transit union.

General Manager Andrew Johnson said an unfair labor practice union has been ongoing for nearly a year after the dismissal of Mickey Ferrell.

“The settlement was $55,000, and Mr. Ferrell will release all claims current and future, and he will not seek reinstatement with the transit system,” Johnson said.

Johnson felt this was a solution which worked best for both sides.

“Most importantly, (it) puts to rest a lot of the labor issues that we’ve had of late and allows us to start a new chapter in labor relations,” he said.

Johnson added Connect Transit has already built a good relationship with the union’s current leadership. He explained they’re having regular meetings and have a better flow of ideas.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…