Darrell Jefferson

Position: President / Business Agent
Phone: (312) 341-1733
Email: djefferson@atu241chicago.org

Darrell Jefferson, President-Business Agent, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241
Working his way to the top

Darrell Jefferson, president-business agent of Amalgamated Transit Union 241 (ATU) in Chicago, can be described as “an ordinary guy” working diligently to make a difference in the lives of others. Jefferson came to the presidency of his local after working his way up through the ranks, earning the trust and respect of the membership who voted him into office.

Jefferson joined the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system in 1994 as a bus operator and soon began to see what he recognized as shortcomings in the system. He felt he could make a contribution and in 1999 became a member of Local 241’s Executive Board, representing members from the Kedzie Garage. In June 2005, he was elected president of Local 241.

As a bus driver and member of his union’s rank and file, Jefferson saw injustices he vowed would not occur on his watch. As a union leader, Jefferson takes seriously the job of tending his members’ best interests.

Before joining the CTA, Jefferson worked in the telecommunications industry for Illinois Bell, where he began gaining union experience as a member of CWA Communications Workers of America Local 4201, and at AT&T. Along with industry deregulation came many changes, and in time Jefferson found himself ready to change careers. He chose the CTA, he says, because Local 241’s members had the best pension plan he could find. Today, he’s still happy with his choice. And he believes his experience with different companies helps him work effectively to consider the interests of the riding public and even CTA management along with those of his membership.

In his role as president-business agent, Jefferson oversees all business affairs of Local 241. The local’s other officers, assistant business agents, executive board members, election commissions, and committee members report to Jefferson. He is the head negotiator in the collective bargaining process; serves as the chair and co-chair on the Pension Board, and holds an executive seat with the Chicago Federation of Labor.

Before taking office, Jefferson says, he saw the union’s rank and file workers as having no one who was looking out for them. Now, Jefferson says, it’s a new day, and he is up to any challenges that come his way.

updated 6/18/07