New York State of Mind
As we approach ATU’s International 61st Convention, it’s an exciting moment in our history. This year’s Convention will be held in New York City, a city that symbolizes strength, resilience, vibrancy, and diversity—like our own membership—and a fitting backdrop for this historic event.
While we prepare to gather for our 61st Convention, I want to reflect on our Union’s incredible history and the work ahead. This is not just a time for us to come together but a moment to renew our focus on the values that have guided us for over 130 years.
The Path Forward
As I look ahead to our Convention, I feel both pride and urgency—pride in the work we do every day to keep our countries moving and urgency in the challenges that lie ahead. The Convention will bring together our leaders from across North America. Together, we will forge a path forward to address the pressing issues facing workers, our riders, and our communities. We will discuss the future of our industry in the face of automation and technological change and how we ensure our members are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.
Our work is not just about securing fair treatment for ourselves. As a Union, we are dedicated to building communities where transit workers, their families, and all working people can thrive. That’s why our Convention will emphasize policies that promote economic justice, equity, and sustainability. In an era when too many have been left behind, we must ensure that our communities across the US and Canada have access to affordable, reliable, and accessible public transportation for generations to come.
The Struggle Continues
Our Convention will also be a time for reflection. We will honor the legacy of those who have come before us, those who fought for the rights we enjoy today. We owe it to them and future generations of transit workers to continue the struggle with the same courage and conviction.
This year’s Convention is about more than just talking. It’s about taking action. It’s about laying the groundwork for the next chapter of the ATU’s history. The decisions we make in New York will resonate throughout our Union for years to come, and we have the power to shape our future by standing together, no matter how much they try to divide us.
To every ATU member, whether you’re attending the Convention in person or standing with us in spirit, know this: The challenges we face may be great, but there is no obstacle we cannot overcome by rising together as one ATU. As we head into this Convention, remember that our Union is more than just a collection of workers — it is a movement for justice, dignity, and respect. And it is a movement that will not be stopped.
ATU Mentorship: A Legacy of Excellence
One way we’re fighting back and building solidarity is through mentorship. I urge every member to think about the legacy they are leaving behind. Who are you mentoring? How are you sharing the values that have made the ATU a beacon of justice and solidarity? If you’re not already mentoring someone, I encourage you to reach out, offer your wisdom, and help shape the future of this mighty Union.
Mentorship has been at the heart of the ATU since its founding, and it remains a cornerstone of our strength today. For those of us who have been in the Union for many years, we know that our future rests in the hands of those who will lead us tomorrow. It is our duty and privilege to guide, mentor, and inspire the next generation of workers and union leaders.
Mentorship is not just about passing on knowledge. It’s about fostering the sense of solidarity that has always made the ATU a powerful force for workers’ rights. It’s about sharing the lessons we’ve learned through hard work, struggle, and triumph. It’s about preparing young workers to face the challenges of today’s labor movement with the same courage and conviction that our predecessors did.
Our Members: The Real Heroes
As much as we look ahead to the future, I want to acknowledge the true heroes of the ATU who are making history in real time: our members. Every single one of you plays a vital role in keeping the wheels of our cities moving, and your work is nothing short of heroic. Whether you are driving buses, working in maintenance, or overseeing the operations that keep transit systems running smoothly, you are essential.
Too often, the work that you do is underappreciated. But let’s be clear—our members are the backbone of every community. You get up early, work long hours, and face often difficult working conditions to ensure that people can get to work, school, and the places they need to go. You do all of this with the kind of professionalism and dedication that many don’t fully recognize until something goes wrong. It is your work, day in and day out, that keeps our cities alive.
But let’s not forget that it’s also the way you serve that makes you heroes. You’re not just operating and maintaining buses and trains. You’re providing a lifeline for communities. You ensure that the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who rely on public transportation can live their lives. You work through adversity, and you do so with dignity. It’s time we recognize the true heroism in your efforts.
As we prepare for the 61st Convention, let’s take this opportunity to celebrate each other. Let’s recognize the unsung heroes in our ranks—those who keep our transit systems running, protect workers’ rights, and ensure that the next generation of transit workers will have the same opportunities we did. We are the ATU, and our collective strength is what makes us unstoppable. Together, we’ll continue to make our communities safer, our transit systems stronger, and our Union a symbol of hope for working people everywhere.