CPS, Pace paratransit drivers to return to work Friday after ratifying contract

Drivers transporting disabled riders for Chicago Public Schools and Pace Suburban Bus are set to return to work Friday after ratifying a contract with their employer.

The paratransit drivers walked off the job Aug. 16 and agreed on a tentative contract Tuesday with their employer, SCR Medical Transportation.

Pace and CPS drivers voted Thursday to ratify the contract, which includes higher wages comparable to others in the industry, paid sick and personal leave and ratification bonuses for full- and part-time employees.

Contract negotiations began in April and grew contentious as drivers went on strike and SCR Medical Transportation filed an injunction against the union that represents the drivers, Teamsters Local 727. In a statement announcing the results of the ratification vote, the union accused SCR of refusing to bargain in good faith and commended its drivers for continuing negotiations.

“I am extremely proud of our members for remaining united throughout this challenging negotiation process,” said John Coli Jr., secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “When we stand as one, we cannot be ignored. Thank you to all those in the community and to our fellow Teamsters that supported the Union in this hard-fought victory."

Drivers should be back to work Friday at their typical time, Teamsters Local 727 said in the release.

Pace buses and CPS paratransit are expected to return to normal service after the end of the strike. Pace buses were running with expected delays and CPS expects to be able to transport more students with disabilities.