‘Growing Together’ at the 38th ATU International Women’s Caucus Conference
ATU women and allies from across the U.S. and Canada came together for an impactful weekend at the 38th ATU International Women’s Caucus Conference in June. International President John Costa traveled to Las Vegas, NV, to welcome attendees by speaking about the importance of women’s leadership in our Union, highlighting our International Executive Vice President and the first female and Latina to hold the position, Yvette Trujillo.
Embrace Your Power
“You may have heard me say before that I tell our Locals, if you want to get something done, make sure you have women on your board, as shop stewards, as your Local leaders,” Costa told attendees. He also spoke about the epidemic of violence on our transit systems and attacks on our members, especially our women members, and how our Union has won important protections. “Physical assault, passenger aggression, and verbal abuse, including sexual harassment, are the top issues experienced by women in transit,” Costa continued. “I’m a father of two daughters, and this is personal for me. We must do better. I want each and every one of you to embrace your power and never ever settle for anything less than what you deserve. Our Union has been working every single day to secure better protections for you for years. Safety is a fight we will never give up on until all our members are safe on the job.”
International staff also presented on the bus of the future and gave other tools to sharpen our members’ skills. Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, International Vice Presidents Michelle Sommers, Natalie Cruz, and Amanda Sawyer-Turner also addressed attendees.
Sea of White
Day two was just as inspiring as the first, as delegates showed up dressed in a sea of all white to show their solidarity and sisterhood and conduct the business of the Caucus.
Costa and Kirk led a session on the importance of organizing to engage our members and grow our Union. “Organizing is the lifeblood of our Union. It is critical in mobilizing our Locals and their members to win strong contracts, organize new members, and face the new challenges - microtransit, the transition to electric buses, privatization, and other issues - that lie ahead,” Costa told attendees. “We need women on the frontlines of these fights because you’re powerful. Thank you for everything you do to make this Union and our world a better place.”
Growing Together
At lunch, focusing on the conference theme “Growing Together,” Trujillo spoke to attendees about the challenges of being a woman in the transit industry and labor movement and how women must stick together to continue to fight for equal treatment.
The day of business ended with Committee Reports and presentations from International Vice Presidents Sommers, Cruz, and Sawyer-Turner and a generous show of support with leaders and Locals contributing to the Caucus so they can continue their critical work. The Caucus also honored Betty Evans, a longtime Sargent of Arms for the International Women’s Caucus.
Thank you to International Women’s Caucus Chair Jackie Jeter, the entire executive board, and Local 587-Seattle, WA, for hosting us for this powerful event.
