“Hold the line” was the call and response in Taunton, MA, as International President John Costa fired up our Local 1548 Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) members on the first day of their strike for a fair contract. Joining Costa at the strike was ATU International Vice President Steve MacDougall.
Pledging the support of the International, Costa urged our members to stand united and called out GATRA management. “Brothers and sisters, what do we do when we don’t get the respect we deserve? We shut it down. We shut it down,” said Costa. “Our Locals from across the region are here today to show GATRA that you don’t mess with the ATU. This agency refuses to recognize the critical role you play in moving this city. It’s time for GATRA to get back to the table and give us the fair wages you deserve.”
Our Locals showing up in solidarity were Local 589-Boston, MA, Local 174-Fall River, MA, Local 618-Providence, RI, Local 1037-New Bedford, MA, and Local 1547-Brockton, MA. Also, Taunton City Council members Charles McCall and Barry Sanders joined the picket line to pledge their support for our fight.
What’s clear is our GATRA members are united. They will not back down!