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A Special Message to USC Shuttle Drivers from a LAWA LAX Bus Operator

Dear USC Shuttle Drivers:

This is the moment to stay strong and united.

USC management is getting desperate because they know that winning your union election means that you’ll be taking the power out of their hands and putting yourself in the driver’s seat where you belong.

That’s why they’re pulling out all the stops to smear your efforts and make unionized bus operators like myself out to be the boogeyman.

They’re scared and will use any tactic to divide you all.

I love my job and I value the dignity and respect that comes with being a union driver. I have no problem paying my union dues and I’ve done it for over 25 years.

My union dues are pennies on the dollar in return for everything that I’ve earned as a LAWA LAX Bus Operator to be able to support my family.

As an SEIU Local 721 member, I was elected by my peers to negotiate our current union contract with the
City of Los Angeles. Thanks to our negotiations, Bus Operators now top out at $41.50 an hour, and every driver will get a guaranteed 5% cash bonus on July 26, 2023.

When we say our union is member-driven, that’s exactly what it means — we take control of the steering wheel and dictate the direction of our union.

Management loves to say that “nothing is guaranteed.” Don’t fall for it – your current benefits are protected under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). When you join our union, you and your coworkers will have the power to begin negotiations on your first contract.

You have my support now and you’ll have it then, along with the support of every SEIU Local 721 member.

Remember this, we the workers are the union — Vote Yes on SEIU Local 721 on March 23rd.

Dion Cornelius,
LAWA Bus Operator and
SEIU Local 721 E-Board Member

Categories: USC