ATU Celebrates Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month

Brother Ismael Rivera began his career in public transit in 1997 inNew York City as a Bus Operator at the Metropolitan TransportationAuthority (MTA) as a member of the Transport Workers Union (TWU).In January 2004, he moved to Orlando, FL, to become a Bus Operatorfor the Central Region Transportation Authority/DBA Lynx and joined ATULocal 1596-Orlando, FL.  Wanting to get more involved in his Local, Riveraran and was elected Vice President in 2013. Then, in 2016, he was electedLocal President/Business Agent, serving until 2019, when he became aLost Time Organizer for ATU International, leading successful contract campaigns, organizing drives, and other campaigns for ATU Locals.In February 2024, International President John Costa hired Rivera as anATU Senior Organizer. Rivera was also elected President of the ATULatino Caucus in 2016, working to fight discrimination of any kind anduphold the rights of Latinos and all members in our Union, our Locals,and our communities. Thank you, Brother Rivera for your leadershipand years of service to our Union.

Brother Tomas Fret has been a proud member of ATU Local 1181-1061since 1996. A Bronx , NY, native and Puerto Rican by blood, Brother Fretbegan his career as a New York City school bus driver. Recognizing theimportance of getting involved with his Union to advocate for his fellowmembers, he served as assistant shop steward, shop steward, field representative, and Executive Board member. Then, Brother Fret was electedas the Local’s Vice President and Recording Secretary. With his strongleadership skills, Brother Fret was elected as Local President/BusinessAgent in 2022 by this esteemed membership. He has worked tirelessly negotiating and securing strong contracts, continues the fight to restore EPP (Employee Protection Provision), and prioritize the safety of our members. This September, Brother Fret was recognized as one of the NY City & State's 2024 Labor Power 100. Congratulations, Tomas, for your exceptional leadership and dedication to yourmembers, Local, and our Union.

Sister Yolanda Moreno has been a proud member of Local 1555 since September 24, 1990. An Oakland, CA, native and proud Chicana, Sister Moreno began her career as a Station Agent at Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).In 2001, she became a Train Operator, serving the community for over two decades. Understanding the importance of advocating for workers' rights, in 2010, Moreno became a Union Steward for the Local and was heavily involved in organizing during the 2013 BART strike, where the Local fought for and won better wages, benefits, safety, and most importantly, respect on the job. In 2017, Sister Moreno, proudof her heritage as a Latina and mentoring others in the community, became Recording Secretaryof the ATU International Latino Caucus, where she served until 2019.Over the years, Sister Moreno has volunteered countless hours tostrengthen ATU Locals across California and the country. You’veprobably seen her at the Women’s Conference, Latino Caucus,or recently as a Sergeant-at-Arms at our 60th InternationalConvention. She recently celebrated her retirement from BARTafter over thirty years of service to the City of Oakland. SisterMoreno, your tireless efforts representing the ATU are trulycommendable! Thank you for your dedication and hard workthroughout the years! Happy retirement!