April 8, 2025 — As Chicago-area transit systems face a projected fiscal cliff of more than $750 million, representatives from the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) are in Springfield, Illinois, urging lawmakers to support vital funding for Metra, CTA, and Pace. The fiscal cliff, estimated to take effect in 2026, threatens the systems with sweeping service cuts, job losses, and regional economic disruptions if local and state lawmakers cannot find a solution.
Securing this funding is essential to maintaining public transit operations and safeguarding the livelihoods of TCU members whose work is tied to these systems. This funding also affects TCU members employed through BNSF, which operates Metra services.
“As union leaders, we must engage with lawmakers to advocate for policies and funding that prevent the fiscal cliff and protect the interests and job security of TCU members,” said Charles Soukup, TCU Unit 155 National Representative.
Among those participating in the lobbying efforts are Chuck Soukup, TCU Lodge 829 Chairman of the Board of Trustees Leighton Fraction, Carmen Division Local Chairman Ramon Del Rio, retired TCU National Representative George Spencer, and TCU ARASA Division National Representative Jeff Knudsen, Lodge 6324 Local Chairman Mike Pantelin, and others.
“The gravity of the fiscal cliff will affect everyone in the entire Chicago metro area,” said TCU National President Arthur Maratea. “The region relies on high-quality, reliable public transportation to support its economy. Lawmakers must find a solution to provide sustainable funding to keep the service running and avoid a disruption to local economies.”