How many members does the ATU have?
The ATU presently has over 200,000 members in 252 locals throughout the U.S. and Canada.
What does the International do?
The International is the governing body that is responsible for the work of the entire union. At ATU International Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD there are various departments which carry out the work of the International:
- Communications (publications, website & other digital communications)
- Education
- Finance
- Registry (keeps track of the Membership)
- Legal
- Legislative
- Organizing
- Political (directs the ATU's political campaigns at the federal, local and provincial levels)
- Research
The International also provides support for contract negotiation and grievance and arbitration handling. That support is backed by the ATU's entire 200,000 members united to provide locals with the necessary power to bargain successfully with their employers.
What is the current dues structure?
How much goes to the International?
The ATU has a unique local structure. Each ATU local is autonomous with the authority to set its own dues structure. The dues are used to support the local's functions and to fund the collective bargaining process. All dues collected by the local remain with the local. However, every member pays a per capita surcharge from their dues every month to help support the International. The per capita also pays for the Funeral or Dismemberment Fund, the ATU Defense Fund, education, legislative initiatives, etc. Canadian dues are collected in Canadian funds and held in Canadian banks.
Does the ATU support its local officers and members with labor education?
The ATU has developed and presented almost 500 educational seminars and workshops which educate our local officers and members in:
- Arbitration and Advanced Arbitration
- Collective Bargaining
- Grievance Handling
- Health & Safety
- Labour/Management Relations
- Leadership Training
- Legislation & Political Action
- Organizing
- Pension
- Privatization
- Transit Security
The ATU has designed educational programs taylored to the needs of members in various professions and industries. In addition the ATU publishes brochures for its members on matters such as drug testing and alcohol testing requirements. The ATU programs are offered to members free of charge.
The ATU also encourages the pursuit of higher education by setting up the ATU Scholarship Program which is an annual competition to union members and their dependents.
Is the ATU associated with any other organizations?
The ATU is a member of the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). Both organizations are umbrella organizations that give national support to member unions and provide larger, policy-related platforms and programs for the labor movement.
What about Canadian locals?
ATU is not an American union. ATU is an International Union. There are ATU locals all across Canada.