Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President John Costa has named RiChard Jackson as an ATU International Senior Organizer.
“We welcome and congratulate RiChard on his new role as an ATU International Senior Organizer,” said Costa. “I’ve known RiChard for a while now, and I know his leadership style and the passion he has for the ATU and the communities he works with. We’re fortunate to have him on board at the International, and I look forward to working with him to ensure our Locals are prepared for battle when it comes to organizing, contracts, political action, and community campaigns.”
RiChard started as a bus operator at the Rapid in 1999, joining Local 836-Grand Rapids, MI, after finishing his undergraduate degree and became a steward and leader at the Local a few years later. In 2006, he was elected Vice President of the Local for two terms, and then elected President/Business Agent in 2012, a position he has held since. In 2014, while serving as President, RiChard led an uphill fightback campaign against unrelenting anti-union forces in western Michigan. When the going got tough, he doubled down and devoted himself to strengthening his Local for the years ahead.
Inspired by the International staff’s commitment to worker organizing and mobilization, RiChard accepted a lost-time organizer position in early 2020. He has spent much of the year beating back decertifications and rebuilding Locals amid the pandemic. With both of Local 836’s bargaining units recently ratifying their contracts, he is excited to join the International full-time.
“Thank you, International President Costa, for the opportunity to serve the ATU in this role,” said Jackson. “I’m grateful for the chance to apply what I’ve learned, to help ATU members everywhere build the power they need to fight for change.”