ATU International President John Costa has appointed Local 1091-Austin, TX, President/Business Agent Brent Payne with approval by the ATU General Executive Board as an ATU International Vice President.
“From being a rank-and-file Bus Operator to a Local 1091 Executive Board Member to President/Business Agent and Chair of the ATU Texas Legislative Conference Board, Brent Payne has been a proven leader. He has steered his Local through good times and bad, always advocating for his membership and his community,” said Costa. “Brent has a deep pride for the ATU and the labor movement. We welcome him as a strong addition to the General Executive Board, where he will continue to do the important work of serving our members and our Union.”
Joining Local 1091 in September 1987 as a CapMetro Fixed Route Bus Operator, Payne was elected to the Local Executive Board in 1996 and held that position until 1998. In 1999, he successfully ran for the Local’s Vice President of Operations and served two terms. He was also appointed as a Pension Trustee in 1998 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Pension Committee. He was then re-elected as Vice President of Operations in 2014. In 2016, the members elected Payne as President/Business Agent, and he is currently serving his third term.
Under his leadership, the Local has negotiated multiple contracts, and he led the Local through the CapMetro transition from contractor MV Transportation to Keolis and a recent strike threat resulting in a strong deal. He also has served as President of the ATU Texas Legislative Conference Board since 2023 and President of the ATU Multi-Employer Joint Industry Council.
“I am beyond humbled and honored to be appointed as International Vice President by International President John Costa. His fearless leadership and steadfast commitment have set the standard in establishing the ATU as the top union in the labor movement,” said Payne. “I look forward to working with International President Costa, International Executive President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, and our General Executive Board to make our Union and members proud.”