Together We Rise - ATU Canada Conference a Resounding Success
This September our Local leaders from across Canada gathered in Hamilton, ON, for the ATU Canada conference for a spirited and productive 3 days.
The conference began with a beautiful land acknowledgment for the Indigenous Erie, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas people whose land the City of Hamilton resides on.
After a warm welcome from host city Local 107-Hamilton, ON, President/Business Agent Eric Tuck, the delegation heard from Marit Stiles, the leader of the Ontario NDP, who pledged her support for our members and public transit.
ATU Canada President John Di Nino then introduced President John Costa, who welcomed delegates. “From Local 1767-Sault Ste. Marie, ON, rallying for a fair contract, Local 569-Edmonton, AB, Local 1320-Peterborough, ON, and Local 616-Windsor, ON, authorizing strikes, Local 1572-Mississauga, ON, engaging in an aggressive campaign to win their contract, Local 107-Hamilton, ON, going on a successful strike, and the Local 113-Toronto, ON, strike threat and “United to Win Campaign” to secure our members a strong contract, Canada is fighting back and winning,” said Costa. “A special shout out to Local 1724-Vancouver, our HandyDART members on strike right now holding the line. The battles you wage against incredible adversity have inspired us all. The International is right beside you. Your fight is our fight.”
Distinguished Guests
The delegation also heard from ATU International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, as well as Canadian Labour Congress Secretary-Treasurer Lily Chang, Ontario Federation of Labour President Laura Walton, President of Hamilton & District Labour Council Anthony Marco, President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union JP Hornick, TTC Riders Group member Shelagh Pizey-Allen, UPFH Law’s Ian Fellows, Independent MPP Sarah Jama, and International Vice Presidents Manny Sforza and Ken Wilson.
Also joining the conference was International Vice President John Callahan via zoom from Local 1724-Vancouver, ON, along with President/Business Agent Joe McCann to update everyone about the strike of HandyDART members. In the ultimate act of solidarity, delegates and International leadership reached deep into their pockets to donate critical funding for Local 1724’s strike fund.
Together We Rise
In the spirit of ATU Canada’s conference theme, “Together We Rise,” the conference recognized the extraordinary contributions and unwavering dedication of our members across this great nation.
You could feel the energy on day two of the ATU Canada Conference as attendees gathered early to elect their leadership for the next three years.
ATU Canada Elections
Congratulations to ATU Canada President John Di Nino for a third consecutive term, Vice President Eric Tuck Local 107-Hamilton, ON, Financial Secretary Aleem Tharani Local 113-Toronto, ON, Western Canada Executive Board Members Darcy Pederson Local 615-Saskatoon, SK, and Bill Johnson Local 583-Calgary, AB, Eastern Canada Executive Board Members (Ontario) Jack Jackson Local 1572-Mississauga, ON, and Rob Cormier Local 1587-Toronto, ON, and Eastern Canada Executive Board Member (Quebec and East) Ken Hart Local 1462-St. John’s, NL.
Keep Transit Public Rally
After the swearing-in, Costa and the delegation headed to Hamilton City Hall for a lively Keep Transit Public rally. A sea of blue shirts marched to City Hall chanting, “Who are we? ATU!” making it clear we’re united for the common cause of ending transit privatization. “This is our oldest Local in Canada. For 125 years, our members have been protected and honored by our contractual agreements, and we won’t stand for this disrespect to try and break our contract. The International is here to assist them with what they need to fight back on the Council’s decision to privatize,” said Costa. “Mayor Horwath has turned her back on our members and the labour movement.”
It was a great conference, and important work lies ahead as our Union continues to fight for the things that matter, like getting more protections for our members, permanent operational funding for transit agencies, and fighting attempts at privatization of our public transit systems across Canada.