Ken Wilson ATU IVP

Our Locals from 508-Halifax, NS, 1182-Saint John, NB, 1290-Moncton, NB, 1462-St. John’s NL, sharpened their skills and learned best practices for preparing grievances and handling arbitrations at an Advanced Arbitration Training in Moncton, NB this week. The training covered the grievance and arbitration process including how to investigate, draft, and prepare grievances for arbitration. The interactive training featured interactive breakout exercises to conduct mock arbitration hearings, including practicing direct and cross examination. Attendees were joined by International Vice President Ken Wilson and ATU Canada President John Di Nino. Thank you to all who participated in this important training. #OurVoiceOurPower

The ATU Black Caucus 59th Annual Conference is underway in Jersey City, and it's a homecoming for International President John Costa. A Newark boy who started his labor career at NJ Transit as a proud member of ATU Local 819, Costa is back in his home state and didn't hold back when he addressed more than 300 members, kicking off a full day of ATU International workshops focused on organizing for power in the digital age and ensuring Black workers are at the table when decisions about automation and AI are made. "The attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are real. The rise of automation is real. And the ATU Black Caucus isn't pretending otherwise. There are people in positions of power who want those words to disappear. They think that if they gut the programs, erase the language, and roll back the wins, we'll just go quietly. They don't know this room very well." "These decisions about automation and AI aren't coming someday," Costa continued. "They're being made right now, in boardrooms and city halls, sometimes without our members in the room. And who gets hurt first when those decisions go wrong? Black workers. That isn't a coincidence. That's a pattern. What about us?" ATU International staff led two major presentations during the general session: one on AI and technology and what it means for transit workers, and one on workforce development training and the resources available to help members build power on the job. Joining Costa in Jersey City were International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary Ken Kirk, and International Vice Presidents Marcellus Barnes, Gary Johnson, Natalie Cruz, Anthony Garland, Ray Greaves, Amanda Sawyer-Turner, and Mark Henry, and ATU Canada President John Di Nino. Black Caucus President Karima Howard and the full executive board led the charge. Because inclusion isn't a checkbox. It means Black workers will help build the future.

Every movement needs its champions. The ATU International Pride Caucus took time at their closing banquet in Toledo, OH, to recognize a few of theirs. Caucus President Michael MacKay presented three awards recognizing outstanding contributions to LGBTQIA+ rights and advocacy. International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo received the Harvey Milk Award for Outstanding Leadership Advancing LGBTQIA+ Rights. Local 1546 President/Business Agent George DeCuir received the Marsha P. Johnson Award for Outstanding Trailblazer of LGBTQIA+ Community Advocacy. International Secretary Treasurer Ken Kirk received the Bayard Rustin Award for a Prominent Leader. IST Kirk was unable to attend, and International President John Costa accepted the award on his behalf. “From the first conversation in Las Vegas to a banquet stage in Toledo, look how far this caucus has come,” said Costa. “Congratulations to all three recipients. Your work is seen, your leadership matters, and this union has your back. Yvette, Ken, and George, thank you for leading the way and thank you to everyone who attended this Caucus this weekend. We’ll see you in Seattle, bigger, stronger, and more united than ever.”

Our Local 1775 Barrie Transit workers stood strong and united and won a strong contract. #OurVoiceOurPower

International President John Costa was in Toronto today, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Fresh off Local 1775 Barrie’s successful strike aversion, President Costa stopped by the ATU Canada office, then headed to TTC Wilson Car House to see our members in action, joined by Local 113 President/Business Agent Marvin Alfred and his executive board. With 200+ workers keeping that rail yard and bus yard running every single day, it was an incredible visit. Last stop was a personal congratulations to Local 1775 President/Business Agent Cory Trew on a victory that belongs to the whole membership. Joining Costa were also Local President/Business Agents and Officers from across Ontario, ATU Canada President John Di Nino, and International Vice President Manny Sforza. “This visit reminded me of what ATU is all about,” said Costa. “Whether it’s the members keeping buses and trains running at Wilson Car House or Local 1775 fighting for what they deserve in Barrie, this union shows up. That’s something to be very proud of.”

Big things are happening behind the scenes to preserve ATU’s history. International President John Costa visited the History Factory in downtown D.C. today to discuss one of the most important projects we’re working on: preserving and chronicling the story of the ATU as we prepare to move to our new headquarters at the iconic 21 Dupont Circle. “Our members have been on the front lines of the labor movement for generations. We’re making sure our decades of organizing, advocacy, and wins for transit workers and the labor movement don’t just live in filing cabinets. Our stories deserve to be told, and we’re committed to telling them,” said Costa. Joining Costa were International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, former ATU General Counsel Robert Molofsky, and key ATU staff. More updates coming soon!

Happy Transit Worker Appreciation Day. Thanks to all our members for their commitment and dedication! #1u #canlab #UnionStrong

@ATUComm @FrankK33723744 Sault Ste. Marie Transit Services City of Sault Ste. Marie Bus Public $31.71hr Peterborough Transit. City of Peterborough. Bus Public $33.44hr Barrie Transit. Private MVT Inc Bus $29.56hr If Barrie City council thinks this won’t be a contentious labour dispute, Buckle up!

Our Local 1775-Barrie, ON, members will do what’s necessary to get the fair contract they deserve, but remain committed to reaching a deal for the sake of our riders and community. #OurVoiceOurPower barrietoday.com/local-news/cit…

Our Union is setting the standard for mentorships programs under the leadership of International President John Costa to build longterm careers in transit for our members. #OurVoiceOurPower #1u #canlab metro-magazine.com/digital-cover-…

We continue our celebration of Women’s History Month recognizing Crystal Hanley, Local 1595-Winnipeg, MB. #WomensHistoryMonth

This one is for every brother, sister. and ATU sibling who was assaulted on the job and kept showing up. Every worker who testified, marched, called their MP, and refused to stay silent. Bill C-14 has passed. Federal law now protects all of you. You did this. #ATUCanada #TransitWorkers #BillC14 #WorkerSafety #UnionStrong #Justice

A friend of the ATU, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., was a champion of labor unions and a strong advocate for affordable public transit for all. From marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he spent a lifetime on the frontlines of the civil rights movement. In his memory, we will continue his fight for economic and social justice, voting rights, opportunity, and democracy for all. Rest in Power, Brother! nbcnews.com/news/obituarie… via @nbcnews

We continue our celebration of Black History Month honoring Local 1756-Arcadia, CA, President/Business Agent Lorence Bradford. #BlackHistoryMonth

It’s shameful to see the Liberals cut $5 billion from transit across the country. While cutting taxes for American Big Tech firms, they hurt working Canadians with job cuts and deteriorating public services. This isn’t building ‘Canada Strong’ - it’s selling us out. atucanada.ca/news/atu-canad…

Today, International President John Costa convened two of our largest zoom trainings ever with more 325 Local leaders attending Executive Board Trainings to learn about the duties and responsibilities of Executive Boards. International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo and International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk also addressed the trainings. “It’s inspiring to see so many of you join us for this important training. As Executive Board members, you play an important role for your Local and our members. You must organize, strategize, and think outside the box,” Costa told the attendees. “I’ve been in your shoes as an Executive Board member and wish I had this training to understand the challenges of serving on an Executive Board. It’s a serious responsibility. It requires knowledge, skills, and dedication. Thank you to all of you for taking to time to attend this training so you can gain the vital skills needed in this critical job to represent your members and your Local.” The trainings covered many topics including an introduction to officers’ roles and obligations as well as those of Executive Board members under the ATU Constitution and General Laws. Attendees also learned about the administrative role of executive board members including Local Union oversight and fiduciary responsibilities. Executive Board members play a key role in ensuring the operations of our Locals. Under Costa’s leadership, the ATU is committed to ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to best represent our members. #OurVoiceOurPower

Our Local 1005 Rochester Public Transit members are united in their fight for a fair and just contract. #OurVoiceOurPower #1u #UnionStrong kaaltv.com/?post_type=fuel

This week leaders from ATU Locals 279, 946, 966, 1320, 1557, 1767, and 1760 from Ontario and Quebec met in Markham, ON, for an Advanced Arbitration Training to sharpen their skills and learn best practices for preparing grievances and handling arbitrations. The 4-day training covered the grievance and arbitration process and teaches our Local leaders how to investigate, draft, and prepare grievances for arbitration. The interactive training includes breakout exercises to conduct mock arbitration hearings, including practicing direct and cross examination. Attendees were joined by International Vice Presidents Manny Sforza and Ken Wilson, along with ATU Canada President John Di Nino. Thank you to all who participated and continue to sharpen their skills to fight for the rights of our members. #OurVoiceOurPower #canlab

Day two of the ATU Northwest Conference in Phoenix was all about building stronger connections. International President Costa joined members from across the U.S. and Canada to continue the conversations that move our union forward. “This union is stronger when we listen to each other, learn from each other, and take action together,” said Costa. “Every conversation here matters because it helps us go home prepared to fight for our members. The world is a wild place right now. Nobody is coming to save us, except us, our union, and the labor movement. Keep sharing your stories, keep learning from one another, and keep standing united.” Leaders and members brought energy, honesty, and a shared commitment to lifting each other up. That’s what makes this conference special. It’s about people showing up for one another. Thank you to everyone who made the NWCB powerful and productive!