CTA rail operators opt to strike

Members of a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rail operators' union have expressed support for a strike in an unofficial vote, local media reported earlier this week.

Roughly a third of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308's 3,000 members participated in the preliminary vote. Ninety-eight percent of those who voted favored a strike, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The union represents train operators, switchmen, car repairers and a host of other rail workers. The ATU Local 308's contract expired with the CTA on Dec. 31, 2015, agency spokesman Brian Steele said via email.

The preliminary strike vote won't have an impact on the agency's service, he added.

"If Local 308 proceeds with an illegal strike in the future, CTA will take all actions necessary to maintain service for our customers," Steele said.