News
Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Workers Rally for Fair Contract
Illinois State Toll Highway Authority clerks, custodians, and warehouse workers rallied together before the monthly Tollway Board meeting to demand a fair contract with wages that keep up with inflation.
SEIU Local 73 represents 60 workers fighting for a union contract. Workers have been in negotiations for nearly a year.
“We’re pushing hard to ensure we’re treated with dignity, respect, and compensated equally for the work that we do. Tollway employees risked their lives as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we demand respect at the bargaining table,” said Joe Richert, Secretary-Treasurer of SEIU Local 73.
“I really love working for the tollway, but it comes to a point where I can’t afford to work here. All we’re asking for is our fair share. They call us the backbone of the tollway, but they don’t want to value us as the backbone,” said Phillip Wacker, Parts Clerk.
“I have dedicated 29 years of my life to the tollway and have been able to raise a family. We’re asking for a raise just to keep up with the cost of living,” said Armando Gonzalez, Section Clerk.
“We do a lot for the Tollway, yet we still don’t have a contract. The cost of inflation has affected everybody, no matter your department. It’s time for the Tollway Board to hear our demands,” said Roy Dominguez, Custodian.
After the rally, workers marched into the Tollway Board meeting. A small group of workers spoke about the lack of respect they receive from management and demanded a fair contract with living wages.
This press conference comes after the Tollway Board negotiated severance for nearly 120 Toll Collectors who will be laid off in September. Members say this round of negotiations is the Board’s chance to show how much they value their employees.
Watch the Press Conference and hear testimonials from Tollway Workers below.