You could feel the energy on day two of the ATU Canada Conference as attendees gathered early to elect their leadership for the next three years. International President John Costa had the honor of swearing in the new officers and congratulating them on their successful elections.
Congratulations to ATU Canada President John Di Nino for a third consecutive term, Vice President Eric Tuck Local 107-Hamilton, ON, Financial Secretary Aleem Tharani Local 113-Toronto, ON, Western Canada Executive Board Members Darcy Pederson Local 615-Saskatoon, SK, and Bill Johnson Local 583-Calgary, AB, Eastern Canada Executive Board Members (Ontario) Jack Jackson Local 1572-Mississauga, ON, and Rob Cormier Local 1587-Toronto, ON, and Eastern Canada Executive Board Member (Quebec and East) Ken Hart Local 1462-St. John’s, NL.
The new executive board has a lot of work ahead of them as they continue to fight for the things that matter, like getting more protections for transit workers, permanent operational funding for transit agencies, and fighting attempts at privatization of our public transit systems across Canada.
After the swearing-in, Costa and the delegation headed to Hamilton City Hall for a lively Keep Transit Public rally. A sea of blue shirts marched to City Hall chanting, “Who are we? ATU!” making it clear we’re united for the common cause of ending transit privatization. “This is our oldest Local in Canada. For 125 years, our members have been protected and honored by our contractual agreements, and we won’t stand for this disrespect to try and break our contract. The International is here to assist them with what they need to fight back on the Council’s decision to privatize,” said Costa. “Mayor Horwath has turned her back on our members and the labour movement.”
Joining Costa for day two were International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk and International Vice Presidents Manny Sforza and Ken Wilson. Stay tuned for the final day of the ATU Canada conference. Day three starts tomorrow.