FRIDAY MORNING
The Convention reconvened at 9:00 a.m., on September 21, 2007, International President Warren S. George presiding.
After an invocation by Rev. Rudy Aguilla of Community Christ Church, International Vice President Ron Heintzman introduced guest speaker Ion Radoi, president of the USLM-ATU Romanian Council. Founded in 2002, Radoi reported that the Council had officially opened its Bucharest office – an event which was heavily covered by the media in the former Soviet republic.
Romanian Government Similar to Bush Administration
Radoi discussed the activities of the Council over the last three years. The Romanian government had changed to one which he described as being similar to the Bush administration, prompting an even greater need to organize more strikes protesting the lack of worker rights and inadequate social policies. In 2006, a massive strike was called for increased wages that could at least keep pace with inflation.
He reminded the delegates that during 50 years of communist rule, there was no trade union activity in Romania. In 1990 the minimum wage was the equivalent of $30 (US) per month in a climate where the rate of inflation was an astounding 300 percent. After over a dozen strikes, the minimum wage is now $190 per month with median wages at $500 per month. The good news is that wages for transportation workers now average 25 percent higher than the median wage.
The republican government wanted to freeze wages which prompted even more action by unions. “What does the right wing want? They want to run the world; but do they want to provide good wages? No,” Radoi explained, in comparing the Bush administration to that of Romania. The companies only want more profits, and the exploitation of workers is the result, he said. They are also trying to transfer corporate taxes onto the backs of employees by allowing multinationals into Romania who hire cheap labor and get tax breaks. This “social dumping” practice causes problems for the U.S. in the form job cuts because of outsourcing, he added.
These are the shared problems of unions throughout the world, he stated. “The distance between us doesn’t matter; we both have the same problems. We are connected in a common fight,” he asserted.
The answer boils down to one thing – solidarity. He thanked International President George for sending letters of protest to the Romanian government on behalf of the Council’s struggles. “This is proof that the ATU is a true partner with us in our fight,” Radoi said. He presented George with a beautiful wood plaque in the shape of the country of Romania emblazoned with the ATU logo as a memento of the USLM-ATU Council.
Two Candidates Ask for ATU’s Vote
Brian Condit, a 30-year member of IBEW, spoke on behalf of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Democratic candidate for president in next year’s elections. Richardson’s platform includes ending the war in Iraq and honoring America’s veterans by improving veteran facilities across the nation, as well as devising a comprehensive health care program. He also proposes giving tax credits for American jobs, not for companies who take their work overseas. “Union-busters will be gone,” he said, and a new Secretary of Labor would be selected from among Labor’s own. Richardson also favors reinstating collective bargaining for public employees.
Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, spoke on behalf of another Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards, who, he said, knows that the White House is not a cash machine for special interest groups, but a workplace where the peoples’ leader works for them. Edwards believes that a safe, well-maintained, efficient infrastructure is a big part of the answer to reducing America’s dependency on foreign oil, and bolstering mass transit systems is a top priority in that accomplishing that.
“Homeland Security begins at home,” he said, adding that Edwards was in favor of investing in schools with better pay for teachers, as well as hiring and training more school bus drivers.
He has a progressive and detailed plan for national health care. But more importantly, Grijalva said, Edwards has a basic vision for America that includes the belief that unions combat poverty and are the answer to restoring the middle class. The bottom line, he said, is, “We are going to have a Democratic president,” and he asked for ATU’s support for Edwards.
Delegate John Koldan, 308-Chicago, IL, asked International President George if the ATU had endorsed a presidential candidate. George responded that a poll has shown that ATU members are very close when it comes to choosing between Clinton, Obama and Edwards, and that 25 percent remain undecided. He said that the ATU will endorse a candidate in plenty of time to get ready for the campaign.
Resolutions Committee Report
Chair Dennis Antonellis reported on the list of remaining resolutions not assigned to other committees, each of which were adoped as follows:
C: Transit Workforce Development Programs
F: Addressing Global Warming & the Energy Crisis
G: Stop Unfair Competition by Curbside Bus Operations
H: Reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU
I: State and Provincial Legislative Agenda - amended title; also amended to change “operators” to “workers”
J: Privatization
K: Ensuring Fairness for School Bus Workers
O: Child Care - adopted as amended to add ATU lobbying for raising the cap on U.S. dependent care pre-tax expense accounts for all individuals, not just married couples.
P&S: (combined) Fair U.S. Immigration Policy
Q: End the War in Iraq - adopted as amended to also address health and welfare of veterans
R: Honoring ATU’s New Orleans Members
T: Affordable Housing
U: Stress - adopted as amended to change “bus operators” to “transit workers”
Dana McGee & J.C. Reynolds Scholarships
The scholarships were presented by Jodi McGee and Doris Reynolds, widows of the two International Vice Presidents to:
Daniel Taylor, son of a Local 1596-Orlando, FL, member, and Kathleen Russell, daughter of a Local 1464-Baton Rouge, LA, member.
Convention Revenue & Expenses Report
The report on 2004 Convention Revenue & Expenses by International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owens was adopted.
Closing Ceremonies
International President George thanked everyone responsible for the success of this year’s Convention, including the staff and union workers of Bally’s Hotel, Kelly Press & Convention Services, the stagehands, photographers, and audio-visual operators.
He also thanked the sergeants-at-arms for their diligence in keeping the delegates in order and on time each day. But most of all, George thanked the ATU staff for its hard work for many months of preparation for the Convention and for doing an outstanding job throughout the entire week. A video of Convention highlights was shown, as well as an invitation to Disney World in Orlando for the 2010 Convention.
The Convention adjourned, sine die, at 11:05 a.m.
