Proud to be ATU
The ATU is the largest transit union in North America. ATU transit and allied trade members enjoy the highest wages and benefits in the industry. We are leaders in the fight to ensure safety in mass transit. And we work hard to improve service to our riders. We're proud to be ATU.
Message from International President Warren S. George
Campaigns for Operating Assistance, Against Assault
Try helping them understand that fares in many areas are going to increase – again – by a substantial amount and that service will be cut, because state and local revenues are way down and federal transit dollars generally cannot be used to pay for operating assistance (fuel, wages, administration, etc.).
Transit authorities were overjoyed last summer over the many new and welcome passengers who started using mass transit after the spike in gas prices. Soon, however, most systems became overwhelmed, finding
it impossible to maintain service because they too could not afford the skyrocketing price of diesel fuel. With nowhere to turn, transit systems have begun to cut service, increase fares, and layoff our members.
Despite some recent encouraging signs, we expect the layoff situation to get worse before it gets better. And when the economy does recover I believe that the demand for fuel will once again rise.
All-Out Blitz
During the next few months, the ATU is going to be conducting an
all-out blitz to convince Congress to allow federal transit funds to be
used for operating assistance so that systems can stay afloat and our
members can keep their jobs during these tough economic times. This
cannot happen without your help!
Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill
Below please find a letter led by Representatives Lipinski (D-IL) and Carnahan (D-MO) regarding the need to include language in the federal surface transportation reauthorization bill that would allow public transportation systems to use their federal transit funds for operating assistance purposes. In total, 67 Members, 20 who serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, signed on -- sending a strong message that more flexibility is needed. At a time when Americans are leaving their cars at home like never before, public transportation systems should not be forced to implement painful service cuts, fare increases, and layoffs because of unpredictable fuel prices and shortages in state and local revenues. Thanks to all who worked
to get their Member of Congress on the letter. If you see your representative listed, please take the time to
thank them.
» Letter (PDF)
Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union have shown outstanding support for the Employee Free Choice Act by contributing over $246,000 to the Media Fund for that legislation. The amount is the equivalent to the contributions of over 98,000 members at the recommended donation of $2.50 per member.
Why We Support the Employee Free Choice Act and the
Freedom
to Form Unions and Bargain
People associate actors with fame and glory. The truth is for a
long time my union contract was the reason I could support my
family. That's why I support the Employee Free Choice Act,
because each worker, regardless of their field, deserves the
freedom to bargain for a contract, for a better life.
- Actress Amy Brenneman
As the performers say, this is not a red state issue. This is not
a blue state issue. It's a workers' issue.
It's time for Congress
to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. It's time the economy
worked for everyone.
I've belonged to three unions in my life, and every one gave me the freedom to bargain with my co-workers for decent hours, benefits and safe conditions. If all workers don't have the freedom to form unions, I don't see how we can fix our economy.
- Actor and comedian Jerry Stiller
- CANADA, US: LabourStart News for Canada and the US - July 2, 2009 (7/2)
- US, NAT'L: AFL-CIO Press Clips - July 2, 2009 (7/2)
- US, NAT'L: AFL-CIO NOW Blog - July 2, 2009 (7/2)
- DENVER, CO: RTD preps train-stopping system for Colorado light-rail trains (7/2)
- PORTLAND, OR: Portland Lauded as ‘Transportation City of America’ (7/2)
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