The convention hall was alive for a busy day three at the 61st ATU International Convention in New York City as International President John Costa opened the proceedings by firing up delegates with a “Our Voice, Our Power” call and response.
Delegates heard strong messages of solidarity, diversity, and equality from State Women’s Organizing Secretary of The Maharashtra State Transport Kamgar Sanghtana (MSTKS) Sheela Naikwade, International Fire Fighters General President Ed Kelly, Coalition of Labor Union Women President Elise Bryant, One Fair Wage President Saru Jayaraman, and New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charlie Wowkanech.
Our campaigns took center stage with engaging panel discussions highlighting two successful campaigns where our members fought and won. First was our Florida Fight Back Campaign where Locals across the Sunshine State mobilized members to push back against the union-busting SB-256. Next was the Local 113 United to Win campaign. After their contract expired, the Local voted to strike, won back the right to strike after a 20-year battle, and mobilized our 13,000 members to walk off the job. In the last hours before our members were set to strike, the TTC caved and our Local secured a strong contract that was ratified by the membership.
A moving memorial video, accompanied by the NJ Transit bag pipers and drums, was played to remember and salute our International officers and Local officers that passed away since our last convention.
Last, but not least, we honored the great work of our Locals. Our Gary Maurer organizing awards for successful organizing campaigns were awarded to Local 1546- Baton Rouge, LA, Local 689-Washington, DC, Local 26- Detroit, MI, Local 1433-Phoenix, AZ, Local 1220-Richmond, VA, and Local 1577-West Palm Beach, FL, Local 1535-Harahan, LA, Local 569- Edmonton, AB, Local 741-London, ON, Local 1624-Peterborough, ON, and Local 846-Niagara Region, ON.
Our first-ever workforce development awards were presented to Locals who have created industry-leading apprenticeship and mentorship programs. The U.S. Operator Workforce Development Achievement Award winners were Local 265-San Jose, CA, and Local 1005- Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. The U.S. Maintenance Workforce Development Achievement Award winners were Local 382-Salt Lake City, UT, and Local 757-Portland, OR. The Canada Maintenance Workforce Development Achievement Award winner was Local 113-Toronto, ON.
Day four will be a historic day as delegates elect our International Officers.