Today was a busy and exciting day in Austin, TX, as International President John Costa, International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, and ATU Director of Apprenticeships and Workforce Development Jamaine Gibson joined Local 1091 President/Business Agent Brent Payne to visit with our members on the job ahead of a Stewards Training this weekend. First, Costa went to a CapMetro Access facility to meet with operators, mechanics, dispatchers, and supervisors who provide essential transit services for people with disabilities and seniors.
After a brief stop at the Local Union Hall, Costa and the team went to Cap Metro’s largest facility, run by Keolis, to visit with our more than 900 bus operators, dispatchers, and supervisors. While there, Costa also took part in a graduation ceremony for Local 1091’s first-ever mentorship program to celebrate mentors and mentees. This innovative mentorship program between Local 1091 and Cap Metro is the first transit mentorship program in the state. The next location on the tour was the CapMetro Access Howard Lane facility to visit with our paratransit members.
The final stop was the Cap Metro North Ops location to meet with our members at this bus and van transit operations center. In touring these facilities, Costa and the team saw firsthand the critical work our members perform each day in the city of Austin and listened to their concerns impacting their Local and fellow members. “I want to thank each and every one of you for your commitment and dedication as frontline heroes to keep Austin moving,” Costa told our members. “You are the heart and soul of this great Union. It is an honor to visit with you today. Please know your International is here for you and your Local.” Thanks to the Local for their hospitality and the great day.