Via Email and First-Class Mail
Flozell Daniels Jr. Chairman, Board ofCommissioners Regional Transit Authority 2817 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70119-630 I [email protected]. org
Alex Wiggins CEO Regional Transit Authority 2817 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70 I 19-630 I [email protected]. org
Dear Messrs. Daniels and Wiggins:
Office of the International President October 12, 2021
This is in response to RTA's failure to recognize Valerie Jefferson as President/Business Agent of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1560. Notwithstanding your wrongful termination of Ms. Jefferson, she remains President/Business Agent of A TU Local 1560. She was elected to this office by members of her local union, and she is entitled to hold this office while pursuing reinstatement to her position at RTA with the assistance of her local union pursuant to the ATU Constitution and General Laws. As successor to Transdev, RTA is bound to adhere to the collective bargaining agreement between ATU Local 1560 and Transdev.
Ms. Jefferson is a "duly accredited officer of the Union", and RTA has violated its obligation pursuant to Article 2 of the collective bargaining agreement to meet with her. It is my understanding that a grievance has been or will be filed by the local in th is matter. Additionally, pursuant to Paragraph 3 ofthe August 23, 1978, Section 13(c) Agreement, RTA has an obligation to bargain collectively with Local 1560. RTA 's refusal to recognize Ms. Jefferson as President/Business Agent of Local 1560 has denied Local 1560 members the ability to choose their own representative for collective bargaining purposes. By refusing to recognize Ms. Jefferson as the duly chosen representative of Local 1560, RTA is not adhering to its obligations under the applicable 13(c) arrangements.
It is my understanding that Ms. Jefferson has also been prohibited from participating in certain activities related to the TMSEL Pension Board. Such is improper as she has been selected by the Union to serve as its representative. Any employer is without authority to select the Union's representative.
Therefore, we demand that RTA immediately resume recognizing Ms. Jefferson as President/Business Agent of A TU Local 1560. She shall also be restored to all previously held positions on committees and boards, including the TMSEL Pension Board.
Sincerely,
International President John A. Costa
