Day Two of the 2026 ATU Legislative Conference in Washington, DC

 

Representative Greg Casar (D-TX) addressed attendees about his roots as an organizer in the labor movement and his role as Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Longtime ally of ATU, Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA), ranking member on House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee spoke about the transit funding and safety measures our Union helped secure in the recently introduced BUILD America 250 Act.

 

Attendees also heard panels of ATU Local leaders discussing strategies of their State Legislative Campaigns on transit funding, safety, school bus, worker power, Autonomous Vehicles, and micro transit. Breakout workshops were held again on the Power Mapping and Lobbying in Practice, the Unique Risks of AI, and Effective Safety Committees.

To end the day, attendees were prepped for the all-important Capitol Hill Rally and Lobby Day tomorrow to meet with their Members of Congress on the critical issues impacting our Union.

 

“From transit funding to autonomous vehicles, health and safety, workers’ right to organize, and more, you’ve learned a lot over the past few days about the issues impacting us,” said International President John Costa in his closing remarks. “Tomorrow is a big day for us to hit the Halls of Congress and talk about these issues. Congress hears from lobbyists all day long, who have never driven a bus or fixed a rail car in their lives. What they don’t hear is enough from workers like us on the frontlines. This is your advantage, use it. Now let’s go to work!”

 

Tomorrow, Our Voice, Our Power will be heard on Capitol Hill!