The room was filled with purpose and power, as International President John Costa kicked off the 2026 ATU Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, with more than 170 Local officers from across the U.S. and members of the General Executive Board.
“You flew in from across the country to be here. Some of you drove. Some of you took the train, or maybe the bus. And I think that says something. Because when ATU members need to be somewhere, they show up,” Costa told attendees. “You’re here in D.C. at a very important time. I’m not going to sugarcoat this. The challenges in front of us right now are serious. Automation, transit funding, safety, 13(c) and the Midterm elections. Our Union is built for this. This week, Washington is going to hear from us. Let’s get to work!”
Costa presented the ATU-COPE awards, including the “Chairman’s Awards,” the “President’s Awards,” the “Patriot Awards,” and the “Political Activism Awards.”
Speakers included AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, who talked about how our Union is a fighting Union that won’t back down. DC Mayoral Candidate Janesse Lewis George also spoke about her support for unions and how our Local 689-Washington, DC, was the first union she approached when she decided to run. Pennsylvania Candidate for Congress Janelle Stelson spoke by Zoom about her campaign that will be critical in upcoming midterm elections.
Attendees heard presentations on the pending Federal Surface Transportation Bill, the importance of ATU-COPE, and the ATU Political Program for the critical Midterm Elections this coming Fall. In addition, breakout workshops were held on Power Mapping and Lobbying in Practice, the Unique Risks of AI, and Effective Safety Committees.
To wrap up the day, Costa recognized Pride Month with a group photo to demonstrate our Union’s commitment to promoting diversity and to treating all people with respect and dignity.
Thank you to everyone who came to D.C. to learn and make our Union and country better. Day two starts tomorrow!