At 61st Convention ATU Shows Powerful Solidarity
“Our Voice, Our Power” was the call-and-response echoed by hundreds of delegates as the ATU gathered in New York City, NY, August 18-22, 2025, for our 61st convention to chart a vision for the future.
Embracing our Union’s reputation as one of the most progressive unions in the U.S. and Canada, delegates overwhelmingly passed resolutions promoting diversity, protecting transit workers and riders on the job,
fighting privatization, supporting paratransit workers, curbing microtransit, expanding transit workforce development programs, electing pro-labor, pro-transit politicians, combating racism and sexism, advancing the rights of all workers, and more.
Our delegates re-elected John Costa as International President, International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, and International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk. Also elected were 18 International Vice Presidents, as well as delegates and alternate delegates to the AFL-CIO convention.
DAY ONE
Day One began with the rousing sound of International Secretary-Treasurer and Temporary Chair Kenneth Kirk opening the proceedings, with a call and response of “Fired Up!” and the delegation responding with “Ready to Go!” setting the tone for the morning followed by a dazzling classic New York Rockettes style performance to ‘New York, New York’ and ‘All that Jazz.’
Next, the New Jersey Transit Police Honor Guard and Police Pipe Band marched onto the convention floor, filling the room. The attendees then joined the vocalist, Robert McMurray from Local 1614-Dover, NJ, who sang a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and Oh, Canada.
Host Local Presidents Danny Cassella, 726-Staten Island, NY, Luis Alzate 1056-Flushing, NY, Jose DeJesus 1179-New York, New York, and Tomas Fret 1181-New York, NY, took the stage to offer welcome remarks, which was followed by Kirk’s introductory address.
Passing of the Gavel
IST Kirk then passed the gavel on to International President John Costa, who came to the podium amidst rousing cheers and applause as the song “Friendship Train” played.
International President and Convention Chair Costa introduced himself, saying, “Hello, New York. Brothers and Sisters, members of this proud union, welcome. Welcome to the 61st International Convention of the Amalgamated Transit Union.” Costa continued, “Look around. Look around you. Here and beyond these walls, we are over 200,000 workers strong. Across two nations and every corner of this continent. We speak many languages. We drive buses and trains, maintain railcars, operate and power transit, clean vehicles, dispatch, and keep this city, and these cities, moving. We are the fathers and mothers and daughters and sons of immigrants, veterans, fighters, and dreamers. We are the working-class backbone of North America, and we are the Union.”
In recapping the last three years since our last convention, Costa declared, “Let the record show from 2022 to 2025, through strikes and pandemics, through picket lines and press conferences, the ATU stood tall. And when others blinked, we stared them down. And when others compromised, we confronted. And when others asked, ‘How will we get through this?’ We said, ‘Together.’ 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’s a movement.”
‘None of It is Possible Without You’
After Costa’s inspirational speech, he introduced Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, who praised the ATU and our members for their commitment to keeping North America moving. “All I can say is, when you are in a city like New York, it is impossible not to think about the scale of what our transit workers make happen. Not just here but all over North America, and I know I see it in DC every single day, every bus ride, every trip on the Metro.”
Honoring Widows and Retired International Officers
International President John Costa then honored the attending widows of former international officers, Mrs. Betty Owens, Mrs. Thelma Handley, Mrs. Teresa Baker, and Mrs. Josephine McGee.
Next, the ATU’s retired international officers were introduced. Costa then introduced International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo and the current members of our International General Executive Board, our International Representative, and ATU Canada President John Di Nino.
A Dignified Life
The next speaker was Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, who sent a video message of solidarity, amidst the historic Air Canada strike that prevented her from being here in person. “ATU has done a tremendous job of fighting for your members by calling on levels of government and employers to do everything necessary to keep transit workers safe,” said Bruske.
Committee Assignments
Costa then announced delegate appointments to our Convention Committees which did the important work of setting the vision for our Union over the next three years.
We are a Thriving Movement
New York AFL-CIO State Federation President Mario Cilento, representing 2.5 million members, was the next to address delegates with a moving message. “When we are at our best, when we are successful, when we are thriving as a movement, it’s a result of a few things. First, because we are active. Everybody here is an activist at heart. Next, we participate. Next, you educate yourselves on the issues. So, what you are doing here is you are making the most of who you are, and that always has to be our priority.”
Our Greatest Power
Next up, IEVP Trujillo introduced Evelyn DeJesus, National President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). “We come together here today in a time of great uncertainty. A time when problems, both visible and invisible, are testing our strength,” said DeJesus. “But I stand before you with one undeniable certainty: together, we are stronger.”
The Oscars – Financial-Secretary Awards
IST Kirk then presented the Financial Secretary-Treasurer Awards, the Oscars, honoring the unsung heroes of our local unions who have distinguished themselves with service to their members with the ultimately challenging job. Joining Kirk to give the awards were our late International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owen’s widow, Mrs. Betty Owens, and his son Deshawn Owens.
Award recipients were:
Alice Hobley, Local 558-Shreveport, LA
Jeanna Mowen, Local 1108-Quincy, IL
Ronald Rose, Local 1517-Idaho Falls, ID
Paul Jason, Local 164-Wilkes-Barre, PA
Brendan Burke, Local 714-Portland, ME
Caitlin Gardner, Local 1039-Lansing, MI
Kenneth Kephart, Jr. Local 22-Worcester, MA
Tim Ripper, Local 741-London, ON
Patrick Smith, Local 823-Elizabeth, NJ
Jeffrey DiPerna, Local 85-Pittsburgh, PA
Steven Sousa, Local 618-Providence, RI
Mohinder Sidhu, Local 1505-Winnipeg, MB
International President Costa Recognition Award
Costa then introduced a new award, the ATU International President John A. Costa Recognition Award. The very first recipient of the award was Local 1091-Austin, TX, Financial Secretary Lawrence C. Prosser.
Honesty and Truth
The last speaker of the day was the National President of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute, Clayola Brown. “When I heard you were over 200,000 people. That is real. That is an accomplishment that not many unions can talk about. Even if they are bigger, badder, older, all of the rest of it, the growth that you all did in these last few years is the kind of honesty and truth that makes an ATU member step up a little bit prouder.”
Finally, the Resolutions Committee gave its report, which was adopted by voice vote before adjourning for the day.
DAY TWO
Day two began with the initial report of the Credentials Committee and the report of the Appeals Committee, which was adopted by voice vote.
We Got the Back of the ATU
The first speaker of the day was a good friend of the ATU and President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Reverend Terry Melvin. “I want to be clear with all of you that the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the 2 million black workers that we represent every day have got the back of the ATU every single day of the year,” Melvin told the delegates.
After Melvin’s powerful speech, the Report of the Laws Committee was presented to the convention and unanimously adopted by the delegates by a voice vote.
International Solidarity
The next speaker was International Transport Federation (ITF) General-Secretary Steve Cotton, representing 16.5 million transport workers in over 150 countries. “Transit is for the public good. It should not be run as a corporation to make massive financial returns, so we, in the ITF, and all of your sisters and brothers around the world, send you unwavering solidarity to keep this fight, to build opportunities not just for your own membership but the next generation.”
Speak Up
Next, Costa introduced the President of the Illinois State Federation, Tim Drea. “Now in Illinois, like many of you, through no fault of your own, transit systems are facing budget shortfalls all across the country…Labor standing up, speaking in one voice, makes a difference, and our voice is so important because if we don’t speak up, who is going to speak up?”
Drea’s speech was followed by the Reports of the Paratransit Committee and the Maintenance Workforce Development Committee, which were presented to the convention and unanimously adopted by the delegates by a voice vote.
Fighting in the Streets
After the Reports, ATU Canada President John Di Nino introduced another powerhouse speaker, Ontario Federation of Labor President Laura Walton “I have witnessed the reality of the voice and the power of the ATU. I have seen it on the streets in Hamilton, with Local 107 when we were on strike. I witnessed it in the City of Toronto when Local 113 almost brought the City to its knees,” said Walton.
The day ended with a group panoramic photo of the delegates.
DAY THREE
I Stand for Every Woman Worker
IEVP Trujillo introduced the first speaker of the day, State Women’s Organizing Secretary of The Maharashtra State Transport Kamgar Sanghtana (MSTKS), Sheela Naikwade. “I stand here not just for myself, but for every woman worker who dared to believe change was possible. Our fight and struggles continue still today, but our direction is strong. Let this platform serve as a reminder that when women organize, when women lead, societies transform,” said Naikwade.
We Are Right Beside You
Next, Costa introduced close friend and fellow Union President, Ed Kelly, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). “I know that one of President Costa’s top priorities is to get this Congress to enact legislation that will further protect each and every one of our brothers and sisters in the ATU from the unwarranted savage attacks. When President Costa goes to that Hill to fight for each and every one of you and those families of the fallen, we are going to be right beside you,” said Kelly.
Kelly was followed by the Reports of the International President’s and General Executive Board’s Report Committee and the International Secretary-Treasurer’s Report Committee, which were presented to the convention and unanimously adopted by the delegates by a voice vote.
We Are, We Are Union
The next speaker was Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) President Elise Bryant, who has spoken at many ATU Conventions and always brings delegates to their feet with a song. Bryant didn’t disappoint at this convention. “Amalgamated Transit Union, ATU, amazing, terrific, unafraid coming together. Coming together as one to share our voice, our power, so let’s do it,” said Bryant and had delegates join her in singing “We are, we are Union” to the Queen song “We will rock you.”
Florida Locals Fight Back Campaign
Next, Costa called on our Florida Locals to discuss their aggressive Fight Back Campaign to mobilize members across the Sunshine State to push back against Governor DeSantis’ union-busting SB-256. “Just to enlighten you all in what we’re experiencing in the state of Florida,
losing checkoff was extremely tremendous for us,” said Local 1577-West Palm Beach, FL, President/Business Agent Joey Acevedo. “You know, so I just want to give a special shout out to my Executive Board, also the members, you know, because this is definitely a collaborative effort in order for us to save our Union and continue to move forward to help this state stay alive.” Each of the Florida Local President/Business Agents then spoke about their efforts to mobilize their members to fight this anti-union legislation.
Next, delegates heard the Reports of the School Bus Committee and the Over the Road Committee, which were presented to the convention and unanimously adopted by the delegates by a voice vote.
Remembering Our Fallen
Before adjourning for lunch, a moving memorial video, accompanied by the NJ Transit bag pipers and drums, was played to remember and salute our International officers and Local officers who passed away since our
last convention.
We Have a Moment
After lunch, Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage, delivered an impassioned speech about joining with our Union to fight for the rights of all workers. “So, I am very grateful to ATU Locals in Illinois, and California, and Pennsylvania, and Michigan, and New York, where you’ve let us come talk to you, meet with you, work with you. We have a moment right now that we can seize to say this is our moment as workers to demand and get what we need, which is a living wage,” Jayaraman told delegates.
Local 113 United to Win
Next was a fireside chat highlighting the Local 113-Toronto, ON, “United to Win” campaign to win a strong contract. Costa introduced Local 113 President/Business Agent Marvin Alfred, who spoke about the unity and solidarity of the campaign to win a strong contract. “Again, this would not have been possible to happen with our strength, with leadership from all angles supporting us,” Alfred said. “Again, I want to thank the International. I want to thank the organizers. I want to thank President Costa. When I made the call for assistance, he was there.”
Next, ATU Director of Campaigns Justin Panos led a fireside chat with the Local 113 Contract Campaign Committee members for an in-depth discussion of the strategy of the unprecedented campaign to mobilize the Local’s 13,000 members and win a fair and just contract for their members.
Organizing Awards
Next, delegates watched a video on the ATU’s successful organizing efforts over the past 3 years, which was followed by the presentation of the Gary Maurer organizing awards. The winners were:
Local 1546-Baton Rouge, LA
Local 689-Washington, DC
Local 26-Detroit, MI
Local 1433-Phoenix, AZ
Local 1220-Richmond, VA
Local 1577-West Palm Beach, FL
Local 1535-Harahan, LA
Local 569-Edmonton, AB
Local 741-London, ON
Local 1624-Peterborough, ON
Local 846-Niagara Region, ON
New Jersey Strong
Next, Costa invited a good friend and the President of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, Charlie Wowkanech, to the stage. “Thank you for everything that you do in moving our citizens and our workers all across this country, and I know that, you know, people say, Oh, what is a bus driver? It’s not an easy job, and it’s a very, very important job,” said Wowkanech.
First-Ever Workforce Development Awards
To wrap up the day, the first-ever workforce development awards were presented to Locals who have created innovative apprenticeship and mentorship programs.
The U.S. Operator Workforce Development Achievement Award winners were Local 265-San Jose, CA, and Local 1005-Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.
The U.S. Maintenance Workforce Development Achievement Award winners were Local 382-Salt Lake City, UT, and Local 757-Portland, OR.
The Canada Maintenance Workforce Development Achievement Award winner was Local 113-Toronto, ON.
DAY FOUR
Day four began with the reports of Operations Workforce Development, Organizing and Collective Bargaining, and Political Action Convention Committees, which were presented to the convention and unanimously adopted by the delegates by a voice vote.
Credentials Committee Final Report
Credentials Committee Chair Eric Tuck gave the final Credentials Committee report. Tuck reported that the committee found 682 credentials to be in order. Of those delegates, 644 are voting delegates; 38 are non‑voting delegates, consisting of 21 international officers, one delegate from ATU Canada, and two delegates from the Connecticut State Conference Board, and 13 alternates. The report was adopted by unanimous voice vote.
Lawrence J. Hanley Lifetime Achievement Award
In honor of our dearly departed International President Larry Hanley, in 2019, the GEB created the Lawrence J. “Larry” Hanley ATU Life Achievement Award to be presented at each convention. The award recognizes individuals who have shown commitment to the ATU’s mission and ideals and who have dedicated a lifetime of service to the ATU, our members, and all working families in the U.S. and Canada.
This year’s convention winner was Jackie Jeter, ATU Women’s Caucus President and retired President/Business Agent of Local 689-Washington, DC. Hanley’s widow, Thelma, daughter Monica, and son Larry Jr. joined Costa on stage to present the award. “I’ve known Jackie for a long time. She’s a close friend. Everyone at the ATU knows Jackie Jeter is a force of nature. She has been a true pioneer of this Union and the labor movement,” said Costa in presenting the award. “Jackie, this wasn’t hard when I thought about it and said who’s going to be picked for Larry’s award. Larry loved you.”
ATU-COPE Awards
Next up, International President Costa and Government Affairs Director Jeff Rosenberg presented our COPE awards for the locals that have stepped up to the plate.
Winners for the Chairman Award for the locals with the highest dollar amount contributed included:
Local 519-La Crosse, WI
Local 1546-Baton Rouge, LA
Local 282-Rochester, NY
Local 618-Providence, RI
Local 726-Staten Island, NY
Local 689-Washington, DC
The President’s Award was given to Locals with the highest percentage of active members enrolled in COPE, and the COPE clubs’ winners included:
Local 1209-New London, CT
Local 1546-Baton Rouge, LA
Local 282-Rochester, NY
Local 694-San Antonio, TX
Local 726-Staten Island, NY
Local 589-Boston, MA
For the Patriot Award, given to the ATU member who contributed the highest dollar amount, was awarded to Local 587-Seattle, WA Brother Bill Clifford.
New International President’s John A. Costa Leadership Award
A new award was created called the International President’s John A. Costa Leadership Award to recognize the elected ATU Leader who contributed the highest amount to ATU-COPE. The winner was Local 1300-Baltimore, MD, President/Business Agent Mike McMillan.
Next, the International President’s Political Activism Awards for efforts in getting members involved in the political process across North America were presented. The winners were:
Local 113-Toronto, ON
Local 241-Chicago, IL
Local 256-Sacramento, CA
Local 268-Cleveland, OH
Local 308-Chicago, IL
Local 589-Boston, MA
Local 618-Providence, RI
Local 689-Washington, DC
Local 758-Tacoma, WA
Local 819-Newark, NJ
Local 821-Jersey City, NJ
Local 822-Paterson, NJ
Local 823-Elizabeth, NJ
Local 1001-Denver, CO
Local 1220-Richmond, VA
Local 1267-Fort Lauderdale, FL
Local 1300-Baltimore, MD
Local 1320-Peterborough, ON
Local 1342-Buffalo, NY
Local 1345-Reading, PA
Local 1505-Winnipeg, MB
New Jersey State Joint Bargaining Council
Texas State Legislative Conference Board
After the awards, the Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Committee and Health and Safety Committee presented their reports to delegates. The reports were adopted by a unanimous voice vote of delegates.
Pizza Surprise Toast for Local 726 Cassella Retirement
Longtime Local 726-Staten Island, NY, President Danny Cassella, aka “Mr. Pizza,” got a major surprise with a pizza toast for his retirement. As a slideshow of photos of Cassella over the years played, delegates were served Joe and Pat’s Pizza, Cassella’s favorite. “As Danny begins this well earned retirement, we send him off with not just our thanks, but with the admiration, respect, and love for his work,” said Costa.
Nominations and Elections
After a lunch break, the important business of electing our International officers and AFL-CIO Convention delegates and alternate delegates was conducted.
International President
International Executive Vice President Trujillo assumed the Chair to conduct the election for International President.
John Costa was enthusiastically nominated by Local 819-Newark, NJ, President/Business Agent Veronica Cobb, and seconded by Local 1277-Los Angeles, CA, President/Business Agent Jeff Shaffer, and ATU Canada President John Di Nino. Costa was unopposed and unanimously re-elected by acclamation.
“Thank you, family, for being here. Thank you for recognizing the family, but most of all, my ATU Family, thank you for giving me this opportunity once again,” Costa told the delegates in an emotional speech. “And I commit and I’m honored and humble to have it that I will to the best of my ability continue to do what I’m doing, as long as I have the strength and health to fight like hell to get respect for our members and you, to make changes in this industry, to make us safe and not one more of our members deserve to be treated like shit, be spit at, punched at, and be afraid to go to work. Once again, I am very humbled to have your support, honored to have your support, and thank you.”
International Executive Vice President
Costa reassumes the Chair for the election of the International Executive Vice President. Yvette Trujillo was enthusiastically nominated by Local 1001-Denver, CO, President Business Agent Lance Longenbohn and seconded by Local 1091-Austin, TX, President Business Agent Brent Payne and Local 113-Toronto, ON, President/Business Agent Marvin Alfred. Unopposed,
she was unanimously re-elected by acclamation.
International Secretary-Treasurer
International President Costa opened the nominations for International Secretary-Treasurer.
IST Kenneth Kirk was nominated by Local 85-Pittsburgh, PA, Vice President and ATU Black Caucus President Karima Howard and seconded by Local 1338-Dallas, TX, President Donnie Jolly and Local 587-Seattle, WA, Members and Pride Caucus President Mike Mackay. Kirk was unopposed and unanimously elected by acclamation.
International Vice Presidents
The following officers were nominated, ran unopposed, and were unanimously re-elected and elected:
Marcellus Barnes
First International Vice President
Gary Johnson, Sr.
Second International Vice President
James Lindsay
Third International Vice President
Emanuele Sforza
Fourth International Vice President
John Callahan
Fifth International Vice President
Curtis Howard
Sixth International Vice President
Natalie Cruz
Seventh International Vice President
Anthony Garland
Eighth International Vice President
Raymond Greaves
Ninth International Vice President
Stephan MacDougall
Tenth International Vice President
Kenneth E. Wilson
Eleventh International Vice President
Amanda Sawyer-Turner
Twelfth International Vice President
Arturo Aguilar
Thirteenth International Vice President
Jacques Chapman
Fourteenth International Vice President
Mark Henry
Fifteenth International Vice President
Kenneth Day
Sixteenth International Vice President
Michael Cornelius
Seventeenth International Vice President
Carly Allen
Eighteenth International Vice President
AFL-CIO Convention Delegates and Alternates
Costa opened the nominations for the 7 AFL-CIO Convention Delegates and 4 Alternates.
As International President, Costa is the first Delegate to the AFL-CIO Convention. The following members were nominated for AFL-CIO Convention Delegates, ran unopposed, and were unanimously elected.
Second Delegate, Printus L. Dates,
Local 689-Washington, DC
Third Delegate, Keith Hill,
Local 241-Chicago, IL
Fourth Delegate, James Evers,
Boston Carmen’s Local 589
Fifth Delegate, Jeff Shaffer,
Local 1277-Los Angeles, CA
Sixth Delegate, Ross Nicotero,
Local 85-Pittsburgh, PA
Seventh Delegate, Pennie McCoach,
Local 308-Chicago, IL
The following members were nominated for AFL-CIO Convention Alternates, ran unopposed, and were unanimously elected.
Alternate Delegate No. 1, Orlando Riley,
New Jersey State Council Chair
Alternate Delegate No. 2, Lilian Brents,
Local 1447-Louisville, KY
Alternate Delegate No. 3, Luis Alzate,
Local 1056-Flushing, NY
Alternate Delegate No. 4, Greg Woodfill,
Local 587-Seattle, WA
DAY FIVE
Costa opened the final day of the 61st Convention with a rousing farewell speech, thanking delegates for the hard work not only at the convention, but also over the last three years.
“What we experienced here wasn’t just a few days of speeches, votes, and resolutions. What you see here is power. Living, breathing, undeniable union power. Power is built with every hand that turns a wrench. Every voice that demands respect at the bargaining table. Every step walked on a picket line. Every conversation with a coworker who was ready to give up until you reminded them that in this Union, nobody stands alone,” said Costa. “We came into New York City as Locals from across two nations. We leave as One Union, united by a common purpose. Here’s to the ATU, today, tomorrow, and for generations to come! Thank you, brothers and sisters. I love you, I’m proud of you, and I am honored to fight alongside you. Our Voice, Our Power!”
Installation of International Officers
Retired International Executive Vice President Randy Graham installed re-elected International President John Costa, International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, and our 18 International Vice Presidents.
Delegates also got a peek at the new ATU headquarters in Dupont Circle in downtown Washington, DC, with a short video. Marking a significant milestone in our Union’s history, our new state-of-the-art headquarters will be a place that our members can be proud to call their home.
The 61st Convention of the Amalgamated Transit Union was officially adjourned. As delegates headed home, our Union was even more united by a common purpose. Our Voice, Our Power!