There was an electric atmosphere in the room on the first day of the ATU 61st International Convention in New York City as more than 1,500 delegates and guests from across North America packed the convention hall.
After taking the gavel from International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, International President John Costa convened the convention with a rousing entrance. Inspired by the theme “Our Voice, Our Power,” Costa delivered an inspiring opening address highlighting the strength and solidarity of our Union, our organizing wins, contract fights, successful strikes, legislative victories, and other achievements over the past three years.
“This is more than a convention. This is a declaration. A declaration that the ATU isn’t just surviving in 2025, it is thriving, growing, fighting, and winning. We didn’t get here by chance. We didn’t get here by luck. We got here by struggle. By sacrifice. By solidarity!” Costa told the delegates. “So let this Convention be more than a gathering. Let it be a line in history. A declaration that the ATU isn’t just a Union. It is a movement. A movement for public transit that works for the people. A movement for contracts that lift up workers. A movement for cities that care more about working families than profit margins. And this movement? It’s just getting started. Here’s to our next chapter. Here’s to the ATU!”
It was a busy first day with speeches from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, APRI National President Clayola Brown, New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, and a video message from Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske.
The day also featured moving videos on the successes of our Union and Committee reports.
In addition, Costa and International Secretary Ken Kirk were joined on stage by Betty Owens and DeShawn Owens, the widow and son of our late International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owens, to present the “Oscars” to our Local Financial Secretaries for their achievements.
Day two is shaping up to be another momentous day. #OurVoiceOurPower