Chicago transit agency cracks down on absenteeism

The agency running Chicago’s trains and buses says a crackdown on employee absenteeism has resulted in $10 million in savings since 2011.

The Chicago Transit Authority says it has reduced the cost of unnecessary time off from $40 million two years ago to below $30 million a year by ensuring managers enforce work rules as set down in collective bargaining agreements.

The agency is also scrutinizing cases of sick leave and job-related injuries and investing in training to reduce injuries.

It says absenteeism has dropped 22 percent since 2011.

Robert Kelly is president of the Amalgamated Transit Workers Union Local 308. He acknowledges there is a problem but believes the CTA is exaggerating it and unfairly blaming union members.