Chicago Urban League Statement on the ending of the CTA Hiring Program for Former Offenders
CHICAGO, IL (December 3,2013) “We are extremely disappointed to learn that, because of opposition from the Amalgamated Transit Union, the Chicago Transit Authority will soon end its successful apprenticeship program that gives former offenders work experience. The program, which has run since 2007, has provided a critically needed pathway to financial security and positive community re-enforcement for numerous individuals.
“Union Local 308 President Robert Kelly has provided no reasoning for his insistence on ending the program and the Chicago Urban League believes it is a true tragedy that in the midst of the holiday season, a program that has a life-changing impact on former offenders will end, sending 65 people immediately to unemployment.
“Each day the Chicago Urban League opens our doors to men and women who have had direct contact with the criminal justice system. These are people who have committed a crime, paid their debt to society and are now ready to make an honest living. Yet many of them find that most doors of opportunity are slammed shut in their faces.
“Each day the Chicago Urban League opens our doors to men and women who have had direct contact with the criminal justice system. These are people who have committed a crime, paid their debt to society and are now ready to make an honest living. Yet many of them find that most doors of opportunity are slammed shut in their faces.
“This results in diminished hope and puts them at greater risk of becoming a repeat offenders and returning to prison. To reduce the likelihood of recidivism we provide and support programs that give former offenders the opportunities they need to turn their lives around, and to provide for themselves and their families.
“We believe that the CTA apprenticeship program for former offenders is a very important job opportunity vehicle and recognize that this program has been an economic and employment success for the participants and the CTA. We urge President Kelly and the Amalgamated Transit Union to sit down with the CTA and negotiate an arrangement to keep this pathway to opportunity open and operating.”
Andrea L. Zopp
President and CEO
Chicago Urban League
Roderick K. Hawkins
Vice President of External Affairs
Chicago Urban League
4510 S. Michigan Avenue | Chicago, IL 60653
Main 773.285.5800 |Office 773.451.3536 | Fax 773.285.8034
Cell 773.892.5427
marksallen2800@aol.com
Chairman & COO National Black Wall Street Chicago
(Rev. Willie T. Barrow Consumer Education and Consumer Action Project)
Founder/Lead Organizer, Illinois Voter Restoration Civic Education Project
Chief of Staff to National Chairman, National Black Wall Street USA
"And The Ordinary People Said" News Blog, www.chicagonow.com
Chairman, Community Reinvestment Organizing Project
Listed in 2012 Edition Who' Who In Black Chicago
4655 South King Drive, Suite 203
Chicago, Illinois 60653
(Office) 773-268-6900 or direct 773-392-0165
The Rev. Al Sharpton calls Mark Allen "one of Chicago's legendary political activists and one of the best organizers of his generation"
Chairman & COO National Black Wall Street Chicago
(Rev. Willie T. Barrow Consumer Education and Consumer Action Project)
Founder/Lead Organizer, Illinois Voter Restoration Civic Education Project
Chief of Staff to National Chairman, National Black Wall Street USA
"And The Ordinary People Said" News Blog, www.chicagonow.com
Chairman, Community Reinvestment Organizing Project
Listed in 2012 Edition Who' Who In Black Chicago
4655 South King Drive, Suite 203
Chicago, Illinois 60653
(Office) 773-268-6900 or direct 773-392-0165
The Rev. Al Sharpton calls Mark Allen "one of Chicago's legendary political activists and one of the best organizers of his generation"
https://theblacklist.net/
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