ATU was in the House at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, IL
It was an honor for our Union to attend the historic 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, IL, where Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for President as the first black woman and person of South Asian descent to be a major party’s presidential candidate.
Proudly representing the ATU was International President John Costa, a DNC Delegate for New Jersey, International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, International Vice Presidents Natalie Cruz and Ray Greaves, and Chicago Locals 241 and 308 Presidents/Business Agents Keith Hill and Pennie McCoach.
Freedom and Hope
Throughout the week, freedom and hope were in the air, with inspirational speakers talking about why Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the right team to chart a ‘New Way Forward’ for our country and fight for a better future for working families. They included President Joe Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, and countless others.
Charting a New Way Forward
“With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a ‘New Way Forward.’ Not as members of any one party or faction but as Americans. I know there are people of various political views watching tonight,” said Harris in her acceptance speech. “And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans. I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations. A president who leads — and listens. Who is realistic. Practical. And has common sense. And always fights for the American people. From the courthouse to the White House, that has been my life’s work.”
At the DNC, Costa and the group also met with politicians, labor leaders, and community leaders about the importance of public transit, labor unions, and policies that support our members and working families.
The Real Work Begins
Now, the real work begins. Our Union is mobilizing our members to get the vote out to send Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to the White House and elect pro-transit, pro-worker candidates across our country. Thank you to our Local 241 and Local 308 members for keeping the city moving throughout the DNC!