Our Union’s Ranks and Power Are Growing
Organizing is the lifeblood of the labor movement. Bringing in new members builds power and solidarity to fight for better wages, working conditions, and benefits. Under International President Costa, the ATU has committed to organizing and has successfully expanded our membership as more and more transit workers recognize the importance of having a strong voice in the workplace.
Below are some of the successful organizing campaigns our Locals have waged to bring new members into our ATU family.
Canada Leads the Way
In a big victory for workers, students, parents, and the community, almost 400 school bus workers employed by First Student Ancaster branch covering Hamilton, Haldimand and Niagara, ON, voted to join our Local 107-Hamilton, ON, in June.
“These workers transport society’s most precious resource, our children, to and from education each day. They deserve the very best,” said former Local 107 President/Business Agent Eric Tuck. “They ran a great campaign, and I am so proud of them.” The Local and First Student are set to begin contract negotiations to secure increased compensation, better benefits, and improve workers’ conditions.
In Calgary, AB, more than 65 Care Calgary Accessible Transit Operators voted to join our Local 583. The Local waged a successful campaign after engaging with the workers at Care Calgary for over a year, as they wanted a stronger voice in the workplace. These paratransit drivers play an important role in their community, providing seniors and people with disabilities critical transportation to get to the doctor, work, the grocery store, and other destinations. They stood strong and unified in their vote to join our Union.
Raleigh Airport Workers
Another win came in Raleigh, NC, as more than 95 workers performing shuttle work at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport overwhelmingly voted to join our Local 1328-Raleigh, NC.
They are employed by contractor MV Transportation, a company our Union knows well that has a history of anti-union and bullying tactics. The solidarity of these workers will be a strong asset at the bargaining table.
Perseverance and Solidarity
“The workers showed perseverance and solidarity in their fight to secure a unified and strong voice in the workplace,” said International President John Costa. “We are proud to call them members of our ATU family.”