One Union
Across North America, the ATU is proving that when we unite, we win. Whether on the picket line in Baton Rouge, lobbying lawmakers in Springfield, or celebrating Black Excellence and LGBTQIA+ Pride, ATU members are standing tall, speaking out, and shaping the future of public transit in North America.
These past few months, I have stood shoulder to shoulder with members on strike lines, at conferences, legislative chambers, Steward trainings, and workplaces. I’ve seen the courage and dedication that define our Union. Our unity is our power. And our collective voice is building a more just and equitable world for transit workers and the communities we serve.
ATU Pride Caucus: A Milestone for Our Union
In March, we made history. The ATU International Pride Caucus proudly hosted its first-ever meeting in New Orleans—a powerful step toward a more inclusive Union. I was honored to serve as the keynote speaker and to stand with our LGBTQIA+ members and allies as we launched this vital new chapter.
Pride is not just a celebration—it’s a declaration that our identities and voices matter. The Pride Caucus is a safe space where members can organize, advocate, and lead. It’s more important now than ever. That’s why I was humbled to receive the Harvey Milk Award this year, not just for my commitment to equity but for what it says about our Union’s values. With full support from ATU leadership across the U.S. and Canada, we’re building a Union where everyone belongs.
Celebrating Black Excellence: The 58th ATU International Black Caucus
Over 300 members gathered in Maryland for the 58th Annual ATU International Black Caucus Conference in May. Under the theme Bridging the Gap—Education, Union, and Progress, we honored our past and charted our future. From cultural performances to workshops on organizing and engagement, every moment served to uplift and empower.
We were reminded that we stand on the shoulders of giants who fought for the rights we have today. It’s our responsibility to carry that legacy forward. Another highlight was the installation of new leaders, including President Karima Howard, Vice President Robin Ward, Financial Secretary Chantel Daniels-Jones, Recording Secretary Raynell Reed, and our dedicated regional representatives. I look forward to their bold leadership and new ideas. Together, we are building a stronger, more united ATU.
Louisiana: Southern Solidarity and Strength
In Baton Rouge, I stood with Local 1546 members striking against the Capital Area Transit System (CATS). Their stand wasn’t just about wages—it was a call to action: You can’t mess with the ATU in the South. Thank you to our brave members for fighting on the right side of history!
At the Louisiana Legislative Conference, we built on that strength. Members organized, recruited, and pushed for worker protections and workforce development. I told them, “It’s never easy, but your courage is moving this Union forward.”
We also looked to the future, discussing automation and industry changes. Our message was clear: innovation must protect jobs and safety. We welcome progress—but not at our expense.
Illinois: Democracy in Action
Our fight for justice continued in Illinois, where I joined ATU members in Springfield for a week of advocacy. Transit workers spoke with one voice, demanding change.
The Illinois Joint Conference Board showed how policy is shaped by people, not politicians alone. We met with legislators, pushed for stronger protections and sustainable transit funding, and reminded lawmakers that we are essential to functioning transit systems.
Workers Show the Power of Solidarity on the Line
Following six days of steadfast determination, our courageous Local 689 members at Martz Gold Line demonstrated that our struggles lead to victories. Their major win on the strike line—secured through unity, courage, and relentless solidarity—is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. This was more than just a contract negotiation. It was a battle for respect, fairness, and the fundamental right to be heard at the bargaining table.
In March, despite our unwavering solidarity and tireless efforts in San Jose, CA, after 17 days on the picket lines, the Local 265 strike ended through a court order. This strike was a painful but powerful teacher. It reminded us that even in defeat, there is strength in unity and clarity in the struggle. Most of all, we’ve seen that setbacks are not the end—they’re a call to adapt, to build deeper solidarity, and to return to the fight smarter and more determined than before.
In California, Louisiana, and Maryland, I saw firsthand on the picket lines the strength, unity, and pride in our fight. The support we received—from elected officials to our ATU brothers, sisters, and siblings across North America—was overwhelming. This solidarity pushed the companies back to the table. It helped secure contracts for Local 689 and 1546, and will get us through as we regroup, refocus, and continue fighting for dignity and respect for our Local 265 members.
Empowering Shop Steward Training
Across North America, the ATU is investing in one of the most powerful forces within our union—our Shop Stewards. From Harrisburg, PA, to New Orleans, LA, from Toronto, ON, to Atlantic City, NJ, we’ve rolled out an intensive and interactive Shop Steward Training Program, giving hundreds of frontline leaders the tools they need to fight for justice, fairness, and dignity on the job.
I had the honor of attending many of these trainings, where I reminded our members that I was a Shop Steward, too. I know what it means to advocate when no one else will and to be that first line of defense against mistreatment. This training isn’t just about learning policy or procedure—it’s about building confidence, sharpening advocacy, and empowering Stewards to be bold leaders within their Locals.
Thank you to every Shop Steward who stepped up. Your leadership is the foundation of everything we do. Keep fighting, keep learning, and know we have your back.
One Union
Whether in Maryland, Louisiana, Illinois, Ontario, or anywhere in between, one truth remains: when we lead with courage and unity, there’s no limit to what we can do.
The ATU isn’t just a union—we’re a movement. A movement for justice. A movement for equity. A movement to protect the public services that keep our communities moving and to defend the dignity of every worker who makes that possible. Thank you to every member who marched, voted, spoke out, or stood up. Your fight is our fight.
But our work is far from over. Let’s take the momentum from Maryland, the strength from Louisiana, the solidarity from Ontario, and the fire from New Jersey and bring it to every Local, every depot, and yard across North America.
Let’s bridge the gap between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Let’s lift each other up and keep winning. Because we’re the ATU—and we’re just getting started.