The CTA Pension Truth Project

Protect CTA Workers. Protect Retirement Security. Reform the Pension System. Reduce Turnover and Keep the Streets Safe

We, the undersigned, call on CTA leadership and lawmakers to create a fair and sustainable pension system that respects the hardworking employees who keep Chicago moving every day.

CTA workers have seen their pension contributions rise dramatically over the past two decades — increasing by approximately 400% in 20 years. At the same time, CTA employees are contributing significantly more toward their pensions than many other public service workers, with contributions approaching nearly twice the level paid by comparable public-sector union members.

This burden has placed an unfair financial strain on current employees who are already dedicating their careers to serving the public.

We believe in protecting retirement security while creating a system that is fair for everyone. Pension reform must:

• Cap CTA employee pension contributions at 9% so workers have predictable and sustainable deductions from their paychecks.
• Create a fair balance of responsibility between employees, employers, and taxpayers.
• Protect earned pension benefits while addressing outdated agreements and financial decisions that have shifted too much responsibility onto today’s workforce.
• End unfair pension advantages from previous generations that were created under different financial circumstances and are now being paid for by current employees.

CTA workers did not create the pension challenges facing the system, but they are being asked to carry an increasing share of the cost. A fair pension system should reward the people who operate buses and trains, maintain equipment, support operations, and provide essential public service — not place an ever-growing financial burden on them.

We call for meaningful pension reform that protects the future of CTA employees, keeps the system responsible and sustainable, and ensures that no generation of workers is forced to pay an unfair price for decisions made before them.

Fair pensions. Fair contributions. A fair future for CTA workers.

By signing this petition, we stand together in support of a balanced pension solution that protects hardworking employees and creates long-term stability for the CTA pension system.