The Amalgamated Transit Union is the largest labor organization representing transit workers in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1892, the ATU today is comprised of over 180,000 members in 267 local unions spread across 46 states and nine provinces.

The ATU is truly an International labor union.  Outside the U.S. transit workers experience regionally distinct working conditions and political climates.  The ATU understands this diversity.  In 1982 the ATU Canada Council was established to address the unique political, legislative, educational, cultural, safety and social needs of Canadian transit employees.  The Canada Council has been at the forefront, acting as the voice for Canadian transportation, on issues that impact all Canadians such as: hours of service, human rights, minimum wage, drug testing and privacy, among many others.  Through the Canadian Council COPE, which is funded primarily by ATU Canadian locals, ATU members interests are advanced in the halls of Canadian government.

The Canadian Council also makes a difference on the local level.  In the east the ATU has tackled the Ontario gas tax amendment, mandatory retirement bills and health care portability.

ATU members and the citizens of Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Quebec, who account for over 70% of Canada's entire population, reap the rewards of ATU's presence in Eastern Canada.  The health and safety of passengers and drivers are in the front seat of ATU's priorities.  The ATU Canadian Council serves as a clearinghouse for data and analysis on workplace violence.  This united effort pays off for the men and women in Welland, ON (ATU Local 1633) who really on union drivers and mechanics to get them to work at the John Deere plant.  They know that the ATU member behind the wheel, the local, the Canadian Council and the International are looking out for them.

In addition to carrying the mantle for safety, the Candian Council has developed and delivered over 500 educational seminars on arbitration, collective bargaining, grievance handling, political action, pensions, labor/management relations and organizing.