If someone were to ask me to give a job description for a position paying up to $47,000 annually, based on a 40-hour work week, with complete medical coverage and a generous, employer-funded pension plan, I would guess that the position required a college degree, preferably with an advanced degree or technical skills, and significant prior work experience. It would require creativity, a high level of self-motivation, dedication to service, and would utilize strong management skills.
The position happens to be that of a CTA bus driver.
Not to degrade bus drivers, but many demanding professional positions require longer hours, do not receive such posh benefits and do not make as much money.
Even during the seemingly endless budget crisis of the CTA, I find in the Tribune that the members of the Amalgamated Transit Union believe they are entitled to a 30 percent pay increase over the next three years.
This is interesting, given that the average pay increase for both blue- and white-collar jobs last year was just less than 4 percent. Surely the ATU membership cannot really expect CTA riders to endure consistently poor service, apathetic attitudes and frequent fare increases while they receive a 30 percent pay increase.
A reality check is in order.
