Uniting the South: ATU’s Shop Stewards Training and Site Visit in Nashville, TN
In the heart of Music City, the ATU brought together Local leaders and members from Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama for a weekend of intensive shop steward training and direct engagement with frontline transit workers. With a backdrop of union pride and Southern hospitality, the event served as a rallying point for building knowledge, sharpening advocacy skills, and reinforcing the unwavering solidarity that defines the ATU.
Day One: Leadership, Learning, and Labor Rights
The training kicked off with International President John Costa delivering an impassioned address to the stewards. “You are the heart and soul of our movement,” Costa declared. “When we stand together, we’re unstoppable.” Joined by International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary Treasurer Ken Kirk, and International Vice Presidents Gary Johnson, Natalie Cruz, Anthony Garland, and Amanda Sawyer-Turner, the leadership team set the tone for a weekend of empowerment.
The training sessions focused on real-world tools for Shop Stewards, including grievance handling, member representation, and strategies to promote fairness in the workplace. Stewards engaged in hands-on learning and leadership development, leaving them better equipped to serve as workplace advocates and protectors of labor rights.
Day Two: Strength Through Knowledge
The energy carried into the second day as shop stewards deepened their understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Costa returned to close out the weekend with another fiery address, emphasizing the transformative role of union knowledge. “Knowledge is power, and you’re all dangerous now,” he told the group. “What you do every single day is shaping our history and our future.”
Costa’s message reinforced that the true strength of the ATU lies not just in its leadership, but in the dedication and unity of its rank-and-file members. The training highlighted that shop stewards are more than representatives—they are the everyday leaders shaping safer, more equitable transit systems.
On the Ground: Listening to the Front Lines
Beyond the classroom, Costa toured key transit hubs across Nashville, engaging directly with Local 1235-Nashville, TN, members. Visiting the Hillsboro Road Transit Center, North Nashville Facility, Elizabeth Duff Transit Center, and Nestor Transit Facility, Costa heard firsthand about the challenges and aspirations of our frontline workers. His commitment to fair wages, safer working conditions, and improved service echoed through each stop.
Local 1235 President/Business Agent Tracy Ward and Vice President Stanley Cunningham hosted Costa during the visit, exemplifying the close knit community that drives ATU’s strength. “It was an honor standing shoulder to shoulder with our ATU family here in Music City,” said Costa.
A Stronger Union for the Road Ahead
The Nashville gathering was a declaration of unity, a reaffirmation of purpose, and a vision for the future. Under Costa’s leadership, and with the collective power of shop stewards and members, the ATU is building a stronger, smarter, and more resilient union—one city, one workplace, one member at a time.