Amalgamated Transit Worker's Union v. Pace Suburban Bus Division

**Bus Union Loses Court Battle Over Red Light Camera Fines** The Amalgamated Transit Worker's Union sued Pace Suburban Bus Division over how the company disciplined drivers for red light camera violations. The union argued that Pace was unfairly punishing drivers and imposing fines for these traffic violations, claiming this violated their employment contract. The court ruled against the union and dismissed their lawsuit. The judge determined that disputes about employee discipline and red light camera fines were workplace grievances that must be handled through the arbitration process outlined in the union's collective bargaining agreement, not through the court system. The court affirmed that the union had to follow the grievance procedures they had previously agreed to with their employer. This decision reinforces an important principle for unionized workers: when you have a collective bargaining agreement, most workplace disputes must be resolved through the grievance and arbitration process specified in that contract, rather than going directly to court. While this may seem limiting, it also means workers have established procedures for addressing workplace issues. Union members should work with their union representatives to pursue grievances through the proper channels outlined in their contracts.