Today in Atlantic City, New Jersey, nearly 200 dedicated Shop Stewards from ATU Locals across the Garden State came together for a powerful Shop Steward Training, making it our largest training in history to date.
Kicking off this transformative training was none other than ATU International President John Costa, who returned to his home state of New Jersey to ignite the spirit of solidarity among the attendees.
“This Steward training is personal to me because it’s right here in my hometown of New Jersey,” said Costa, addressing the energized members. “This is where my story began at 18 years old, as a member of Local 819 working for New Jersey Transit. I’m proud that after all these years, our Union is still standing strong, drawing a clear line in the sand. We will not accept low wages, poor benefits, or disrespect on the job. And as Shop Stewards, you are the first line of defense. You are the voice, the strength, and the heart of your Local. This training is about more than knowledge—it’s about empowerment. It’s about giving you the tools to stand your ground, speak up, and lead with confidence. Together, we’re building a movement of bold, committed leaders ready to rise to every challenge and defend the dignity of every ATU member.”
Led by experienced ATU International staff, the training went beyond theory—it was hands-on, practical, and laser-focused on results to equip Stewards with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead the fight for our members.
International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo and International Vice Presidents Ray Greaves, Jacques Chapman, and Mark Henry joined Costa at the training and offered their knowledge and expertise.
A heartfelt thank you to every Steward who stepped up and participated! Your commitment, energy, and passion are exactly what our Union needs to win the fights ahead.