A Chicago Transit Authority union has filed a federal lawsuit saying the agency is violating free-speech rights by barring workers from distributing leaflets in break rooms opposing Mayor Rahm Emanuel in an April 7 runoff election.
The Amalgamated Transit Union filed the nine-page suit Tuesday in Chicago federal court. It asks for a prompt court order allowing the leaflets in break rooms.
The suit alleges the CTA allowed off-duty workers to distribute political material in break rooms until the union recently endorsed Jesus Garcia. Both candidates are Democrats.
The CTA denies the allegations. It says in a statement that Illinois laws "clearly state" such political activity is prohibited. Spokesman Brian Steele added that get-out-the-vote and union-election materials are permitted. But he says political activities haven't occurred previously on CTA property.
CTA Union files free speech suit
