$13 for 13(c)
Most transit workers have probably never even heard about Section 13(c) of the Federal Transit Act. And why should they? Our members are just focused on getting through the next shift safely and making sure that their passengers get to their destinations on time.
What Is 13(c)?
So, what is Section 13(c)? It’s a federal law that was first passed in 1964, created by the ATU during a time when transit workers were at risk of losing their jobs and job rights as private transit companies were going out of business and being taken over by public systems. For
more than 60 years, Section 13(c) has protected the collective bargaining rights and job rights of transit workers when federal funds flow into their transit systems. When our employers sign on the dotted line and get access to FTA grants, they are required to ensure that our members’ jobs, wages, and benefits are protected.
Anti-Union Forces
Not surprisingly, there have been many attempts by anti-labor Members of Congress to weaken 13(c) over the years. Most recently, in May of this year, Representative Scott Perry (R-PA), a Member of the U.S. House Transportation Committee, submitted an amendment to the Surface Transportation bill that would repeal the critical transit worker protection law. “In practice, these so-called employee protective agreements effectively provide transit unions veto power over any potential federal grants to their employer, giving the unions unparalleled negotiating leverage to force transit agencies to cave to their demands even though it keeps them essentially in the dark ages,” Perry hatefully said at the hearing. Thankfully, Perry’s amendment did not pass, but he has a long history of attacking transit workers and unions, and he will undoubtedly come after us again. Unless, of course, we turn the tables on him.
Janelle Stelson: Worker Champion
Janelle Stelson is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District (Harrisburg area) this fall. This is a rematch from 2024, when Scott Perry beat her by just one percentage point. She has a real chance to beat Perry this year, and the ATU is playing a leading role in making that happen.
Fighting Back
During our June Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., Stelson spoke to our members and talked about her support of unions and investing in public transportation. Following her speech, one ATU member after another stood up and pledged to save Section 13(c) by offering a symbolic $13 contribution to Janelle Stelson’s campaign. Now, we are asking all ATU members throughout the U.S. to do the same. Let’s send a strong message to Scott Perry: When he declares war on transit workers, going after our jobs and our wallets, we are going to fight back! Just scan the QR Code, contribute just $13 to Stelson, and tell Perry and his friends in Congress to back off. Together, we can play a leading role in beating one of the most anti-labor lawmakers in America, replacing him with someone who truly cares about our issues. Let’s do this!