Transit Operators in Denver Organize with Teamsters
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
RTD
DENVER –– Transit operators in Denver announced last week they will organize with the Teamsters Union.
PRN Newswire reported that Denver Rail Transit operators, which RTD contracts with to operate its light rail service in the city and to the airport, has voted to join Teamsters Local 17.
Ed Bagwell, President of Local 17, said “We are proud to welcome this group of essential workers to North America’s strongest union. These new Teamsters provide an invaluable service to millions of people that live, work, and travel throughout the City of Denver. We are grateful they entrusted us to be their sole bargaining representative, and we are looking forward to helping them secure their first Teamsters contract.” There are 74 train operators in the Denver Transit group.
Tina Harris, a train operator at Denver Transit Operators, said “I wanted to help organize my workplace, particularly after getting to know my co-workers. This is a wonderful group of people who deserve representation and a voice about their future. We deserve to feel respected and valued by our peers and upper management, and secure in our employment. Organizing with the Teamsters will help foster loyalty and a healthier workplace.”
Teamsters Local 17 represents 2,600 workers in a variety of sectors in Colorado and Wyoming and you can learn more about Local 17 at teamsterslocal17.org.
