ATU's history in Over the Road (OTR), or Inter-city, bus service began in 1934 when the first Greyhound employees were organized.  In the early days, with the support of the newly passed National Labor Relations Act in 1935, ATU battled vicious union busting efforts by management.

The first group to vote for ATU representation were summarily terminated.  This later became the first case argued in front of the National Labor Relations Board, which was decided in favor of the ATU.  This led to an NLRB directed election and the first contract between ATU and Greyhound. 

Unfortunately, many more battles to protect OTR workers' rights were fought over the years.  But, persistence and commitment paid off.  As the world emerged from World War II, 95% of all the workers in the industry were organized under the ATU banner.

Then came the deregulation of the early 1980's.  What was once a proud and flourishing industry devolved into a business just fighting for survival.  This led to several rounds of bitter and contentious contract negotiations.  In 1983, ATU members struck for 47 days against Greyhound.  During the strike Raymond Phillips, an ATU member, was struck and killed by a Greyhound bus operated by a scab replacement.  On March 2, 1990 the second Greyhound strike started.  Shortly after, in a cruel repetition of history, a striking ATU member, Robert Waterhouse, was struck and killed by a Greyhound bus driven by a scab.

In all, the combination of deregulation, of both the OTR and airline industries, and missteps and mismanagement took its toll.  But, the commitment and resolve shown by the union men and women of the industry, serves as an example of how to persevere against the odds. 

Today the ATU is still a strong force in the OTR bus industry, thanks in no small part to those who sacrificed before us.  We are still battling to make sure the professionals who drive and service OTR buses are compensated justly, and their rights are preserved.   

In an effort to protect the industry and the countless Intercity passengers, the ATU has joined with the intercity bus industry, including Greyhound and Peter Pan Lines, to call on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a thorough investigation into several curbside fixed-route bus operations that are believed to be in violation of crucial safety, security, environmental and civil rights laws and regulations.  In addition, there are numerous documented instances of disabled passengers being refused service, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, by these curbside operators.

Over the Road in the News