ATU International Representative Michael Cornelius appointed International Vice President
International President John Costa has appointed ATU International Representative Michael Cornelius with approval by the ATU General Executive Board as an ATU International Vice President at the Spring ATU GEB meeting in San Diego, CA.
A Passion for the ATU
“As an International Representative, Michael has brought his proven experience and skills to assist countless Locals in bargaining strong contracts with both public and private employers as well as managing successful campaigns for our Locals,” said Costa. “A next-generation leader, Michael has a passion for the ATU, our members, and the labor movement. He is a great addition to our GEB and will continue to be a strong advocate for our members and our Union.”
Cornelius became a member of our Local 1433-Phoenix, AZ, in 2000 when he was hired as a bus operator for Phoenix Transit, now Valley Metro. With a desire to get more involved in his Local, he became a shop steward. Cornelius rose through the ranks, serving as the Local’s Recording Secretary, an Executive Board member, and Vice President. In 2012, he was elected as Financial Secretary and helped lead the Local to financial stability. Cornelius also played an integral role in bargaining numerous collective bargaining agreements and successfully steered the Local through strikes with multiple private employers, including Transdev.
In 2017, Cornelius was appointed JIC Coordinator by the late International President Larry Hanley. He helped establish the JIC, which is comprised of Locals who have contracts with large, multinational transit employers like Transdev, MV Transportation, and others. In his JIC role, Cornelius assisted in settling contracts with private contractors at Locals across our Union.
Recognizing his talents and success with our Locals, Costa in January 2020 appointed Cornelius as an International Representative. He has served in that position until being appointed an International Vice President.