OFFICIAL JOURNALOFTHE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION| AFL-CIO/CLC ON OPERATORS COMBATING THEDRIVERASSAULT EPIDEMIC Overtime ProtectiontoOTRDrivers ATU ReportCallsforCongresstoExtend Set NewRidershipRecordin2010 Canadians LeadTheWay: Families UndertheBus Legislative Report:Throwing INSIDE THISISSUE: OPEN SEASON CAUGHT ONVIDEO: FARE EVADER ASSAULTS ATU MEMBER www.atu.org

JUL/AUG 2 0 1 1 INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS LAWRENCE J. HANLEY International President NEWSBRIEFS ROBERT H. BAKER International Executive Vice President A U.S. court and a Canadian arbitration panel issued rulings in July on disputes that go all the way back OSCAR OWENS International Secretary-Treasurer to 2008, and 2009:

INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS Victorious local ‘not popping the champagne.’ Washington, DC members won a major RODNEY RICHMOND victory, July 22, when the U.S. District Court ruled Metro must honor an arbitrator’s 2009 ruling New Orleans, LA – [email protected] awarding a 9% wage increase to its ATU employees (3% per year in 2009, 2010, and 2011). LARRY R. KINNEAR Ashburn, ON – [email protected] The ruling stems from Metro’s request for a judicial review of the arbitrator’s 2009 award which, JAVIER M. PEREZ, JR. they said, did not take into account the budget difficulties governments were experiencing at Kansas City, MO – [email protected] the time in violation of the city’s interest arbitration standards. RICHARD M. MURPHY Newburyport, MA – [email protected] The court took a long time to issue a decision considering Metro’s request seemed a lot like BOB M. HYKAWAY suing the power company because you can’t afford the electric bill. Calgary, AB – [email protected] CHARLES COOK Metro hasn’t decided whether or not it will appeal the ruling. “I’m not popping the champagne,” Petaluma, CA – [email protected] responded DC Local 689 President Jackie Jeter. WILLIAM G. McLEAN Reno, NV – [email protected] JANIS M. BORCHARDT Was that strike necessary? On July 25, an arbitration panel issued its final ruling on a Madison, WI – [email protected] 53-day ATU strike that took place in Ottawa, ON, during the bitterly cold winter of 2008. PAUL BOWEN The panel’s report revealed that during negotiations Local 279 offered to give OC Transpo the Canton, MI – [email protected] control it wanted over scheduling in exchange for wage guarantees that the city refused to pay. KENNETH R. KIRK Lancaster, TX – [email protected] The union’s representative on the board, Joe Herbert, wrote that the contract is now so much GARY RAUEN like the offer the union made during bargaining in 2008, that the strike could likely have been Clayton, NC – [email protected] avoided. “Indeed it may well be that had my board colleagues’ considerable labour relations MARCELLUS BARNES expertise been engaged by the parties in 2008, the work stoppage might have been averted Flossmore, IL – [email protected] entirely,” he concluded. RAY RIVERA Lilburn, GA – [email protected] YVETTE SALAZAR Thornton, CO – [email protected] Stability vs. COLAs? Three years ago Tampa, FL did away with multi-year contracts with its GARY JOHNSON, SR. city employees. Now, the city’s unions are back at the negotiating table asking for three-year Cleveland, OH – [email protected] contracts again. ROBIN WEST Rexdale, ON – [email protected] Mike Young, a member of Local 1464’s negotiating team says many union members would do JOHN COSTA without cost-of-living increases in exchange for the stability of a three-year contract. Kenilworth, NJ – [email protected] CHUCK WATSON Even though Tampa faces $34.5 million budget deficit, city officials say they will balance next Syracuse, NY – [email protected] year’s budget without laying-off workers, raising property taxes or diminishing services. Will their next project be walking on water? INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ANTHONY WITHINGTON Sebastopol, CA – [email protected] DENNIS ANTONELLIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS EMERITUS Spokane, WA – [email protected] International President Jim La Sala, ret. KAREN MILLER-LEWIS Memphis, TN – [email protected] International President Warren George, ret. CLAUDIA HUDSON International Executive Vice President Ellis Franklin, ret. Oakland, CA – [email protected] International Executive Vice President Mike Siano, ret. STEPHAN MACDOUGALL International Secretary-Treasurer Ray Wallace, ret. Boston, MA – [email protected]

Subscription: USA and Canada, $5 a year. Single copy: 50 cents. All others: $10 a year. Published bimonthly by the Amalgamated CANADIAN COUNCIL Transit Union, Editor: Shawn Perry, Designer: Paul A. Fitzgerald. Editorial Office: 5025 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016-4139. Tel: 1-202-537-1645. Please send all requests for address changes to the ATU Registry Dept. ISSN: 0019-3291, STAN DERA USPS: 260-280. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40033361. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: IN TRANSIT | 3 Rexdale, ON - [email protected] B&M Mailing Service Limited, 35 Van Kirk Drive, Unit 15, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1A5, [email protected] July/August 2011 JUL/AUG 2011 www.atu.org Vol. 120, No. 4

2 International Officers & General Executive Board NEWS Briefs Throwing Working Families Under the Bus 3 Index Page 4 International President’s Message: Unpatriots 7 5 International Executive Vice President’s Message: Class Warfare? 6 International Secretary-Treasurer’s Message: Let Freedom Ring 7 Legislative Report: Throwing Working Families Under the Bus 8 ATU Marches with British Public Service Workers at Pension Protest Canadians Lead The Way: Set New Ridership Record 9 Canadians Lead the Way: Set New Ridership Record in 2010 9 10 L’Achalandage du Transport Collectif a Franchi une Nouvelle Étape Importante en 2010 11 Canadian Agenda: Canadian Council Elects New Interim Officers, Plans to Push Anti-Assault Bill 13 Open Season on Operators: Combating the Driver Assault Epidemic 15 Bregg Attacker Jailed Indefinitely, Declared ‘Dangerous Offender’ Open Season on Operators 16 Get on the Bus: Transit Union Looks to Ally with Riders 17 Nova Scotia Requires Drivers to Yield Buses Right of Way 18 ATU Report Calls for Congress to Extend Overtime 13 Protection to OTR Drivers 19 Strategic Campaigns Update 20 Believe It or Not! Everyone in Massachusetts Cities Agrees with ATU: ‘We Need More Service’ 21 Wisconsin’s ‘Walker 6’ Face Recall Elections 22 ATU Family Members Awarded Union Plus Scholarships 23 Deadly Deal: House Democrats Oppose Deadly Trade Deal Everyone in Massachusetts Cities Agrees with ATU 24 Colombian Union Leaders Murdered as US Pursues Trade Pact 20 25 Translations (French & Spanish) 30 In Memoriam 31 100 Years Ago: Local 569’s 100th Anniversary 32 ATU Launches New, User Friendly Website!

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 3 LARRY HANLEY, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

Unpatriots

n July 4, millions of Americans celebrated U.S. Mediators of an Angry Society Oindependence with fireworks, bands, and parades. On July 1, millions of Canadians celebrated Canada Day Transit workers are the front line mediators of an angry in much the same way. In both countries there were many society. Bus driver assaults have risen since service has been speeches extolling the values we share. Unfortunately, the cut and fares increased. We are joining with the Transport elite in America do not share our values. They only value Workers Union (TWU) in building a cross border effort greed. There is no patriotism left on Wall Street and I’m to bring attention to this plague of assaults, and to fight to searching for it in Washington, DC. protect our members. There is a phony fight between the Republicans and We continue to train your local officers to build Democrats in DC about the “debt ceiling.” It is cover to build community coalitions and become stronger leaders every day. public fear that will allow them to make a “grand bargain.” The values that built the North American middle class The only guarantee in the bargain is that average need to be restored to the public debate. Please reach out to Americans will be left out, shortchanged and screwed. your local officers and tell them you are ready to fight back. Lawmakers will agree that “common ground” is vital. But common ground that cuts medicare, wages, pensions and social security is common in only one way; the rich will get New Website, Email Service Launched richer and the poor poorer. Politicians call for “shared sacrifice.” But who will do This month we rolled out a new communications the sharing? department with a strategy to make outreach to our members and the public more effective. We launched a Billionaire Warren Buffet, one of the worlds richest new more user-friendly website at www.atu.org, and we’re people has said, “There’s class warfare, all right, but it’s my harnessing the power of social media. class, the rich class, that’s making war, and we’re winning.” He was right and the war is accelerating and becoming We’ll be sending out regular emails to update you on more visible every day. the latest ATU news and information. Simply email your name and local union number to [email protected]. In Michigan we are responding by organizing ATU Of course, you can unsubscribe at any time, and your email members to fight to restore the collective bargaining rights will not be shared with anyone. stolen by the legislature. In Ohio we helped gather 1.2 million signatures to repeal the anti-labor law there. In As an added incentive, for a limited time, we will hold Wisconsin we are organizing to recall politicians. random drawings from the email list. You could win valuable ATU merchandise and other prizes. Check out The string of recent over-the-road fatalities prove it is atu.org for details. wrong to deny bus drivers time-and-a-half after 40 hours – a basic right extended to 85% of U.S. workers since the 1930s. Passing legislation requiring interstate operators to pay overtime is another major goal in our ongoing effort to get fair pay and a good night’s sleep for our members before they drive a bus.

4 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 5 BOB BAKER, INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Class Warfare?

onservative pundits are fond of criticizing those of Why haven’t jobs bounced back since the Great Cus who stand up for working families by calling Recession? Why is it that when people do go back to it “class warfare.” Somehow this is supposed to inspire work they must take jobs earning less? Why is it that fear in the hearts of people who earn good incomes, and health care, pensions, vacations, sick days, safety shame in those who don’t. precautions, fair treatment on the job, etc. have all dramatically declined in the last decade? Well, I have a confession to make. In both our countries we are indeed engaged in class warfare, but it’s In short, why are working people being robbed of not the kind of war that the rich and powerful want you everything they fought and died for over the last 150 years? to think it is. This is no socialist uprising. It’s hardly even a movement.

No, this is a war declared by the richest one percent No Choice But to Fight Back against the other 99. It is a war in which Wall Street We have no choice but to fight back with all legal means and the big banks hoard their money after we bailed at our disposal. And, ultimately we must use our most them out to avoid an economic meltdown. It is a war potent weapon – the ballot box. in which people are made to feel selfish if they think they should be able to make a decent living if they work That’s all it takes. It is the simplest yet, often, the most hard and play by the rules. It is a war in which the difficult task to get people engaged in the political process few things people could count on – social security, the in their own self interest. Canadian Pension Plan, medicare, and medicaid – are called “unsustainable.” None of us can afford to be conscientious objectors in this war. Please join the ATU and get active in the And this, they say, is a war we’re waging against them? campaign to defend your livelihood and your rights. No, this is a war in which we’re just trying to hang on to what we’ve got. Together we can succeed. Together we will succeed. Taxes Kill Jobs?

This is a war in which conservative legislators demand sacrifice after sacrifice from regular folks, but refuse even to close tax loopholes for the rich. Doing anything else, In Solidarity, they say, will kill jobs.

Well, I’ve got a question for them. We’ve had these lowered tax rates for the rich in the U.S. since the beginning of the George W. Bush administration, and Bob Baker what have we gotten for it?

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 5 OSCAR OWENS, INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER

Let Freedom Ring

t’s August in Washington. And these warm days in Randolph’s experience as a union organizer proved Ithe nation’s capital turn my thoughts back to that invaluable to the campaign to bring a massive, yet sweltering day – August 27, 1963 – when Rev. Martin peaceful throng of black and white Americans to Luther King, Jr., led thousands to the steps of the Lincoln Washington, DC, to seek justice for African-Americans. Memorial to deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech. That Along with civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, Randolph speech is now so ingrained in our collective consciousness created a platform for Dr. King to deliver one of the most that I’d venture to say almost everyone in the U.S. and famous speeches in American history. Canada knows about that moment in history. The march has become a foundation stone of the civil Few, however, remember the role that organized labor rights movement. Passage of the landmark Civil Rights played in bringing that day to fruition; particularly the Act of 1964 is often attributed to the success of the role played by A. Philip Randolph, the founder of the March on Washington. Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, who championed the civil rights movement long before most Americans knew it existed. Victories Won by Coalitions

It is good to remember that the labor movement has been an integral part of the civil rights movement, March Movement Began in 1941 particularly now that unions are under siege. If Tea In fact, Randolph founded the “March on Washington Party legislators can take away the rights of working Movement” on January 25, 1941, in order to pressure people, one has to wonder, whose rights are next? President Roosevelt into eliminating racial discrimination in government employment and the defense industry. History shows that important legislative victories Randolph called off the 1941 demonstration after were achieved by coalitions of labor, civil rights, and the president created the Fair Employment Practices other groups. Our success in holding on to the rights Committee to do just that. and benefits we have inherited may depend on our determination to stand together with those who see But Randolph kept the movement alive to keep that they have as much at stake in our battle as we do the pressure up. On July 28, 1948, President Truman in theirs. abolished segregation in the armed forces as a result of Randolph’s tireless efforts.

Union Experience Invaluable

The idea for what became the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” started to gain traction again as the civil rights movement attracted more attention.

6 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 7 LEGISLATIVE REPORT Throwing Working Families Under the Bus

ust when the so-called “experts” told us that the transit The negative reaction from across the transit sector – Jcuts would slow down, more have been made or are both Labor and management – has been overwhelming. being contemplated all over the U.S. including 150 layoffs “Transit is already on the ropes,” said International in Tacoma, WA (Local 758); 200 buses being idled in President Larry Hanley. “The Mica proposal would be the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Local 1005); and a 50% cut knockout punch that puts millions more people on the in service in Columbia, SC (Local 610), among others. unemployment line.”

Hanley went on to say that “slashing federal Salt in the Wound transportation spending by a third will cause transit systems to shift what little local operations funding they have to And just how did the Republican-controlled U.S. House rehabilitate aging vehicles and equipment, triggering the Transportation Committee respond to the historic transit elimination of essential bus routes across the country.” crisis when it recently unveiled its new six-year federal surface ( 268) transportation bill? By proposing to cut transportation This was confirmed in Cleveland Local , where programs by 30% and encouraging privatization. the Regional Transit Authority announced that if the Mica bill became law, it could potentially lose about $15 The misguided bill calls for slashing public million a year, resulting in layoffs next summer of 75 to 100 transportation at a time when Americans need it most – to employees. The loss of workers would mean a 7.5% cut in avoid sky-high gas prices on their way to work. But House bus routes and rail service. That would be on top of a 23% Transportation Committee Chair John Mica, R-FL, says service cut since 2001. Fares have risen three times since we have to do more with less. the start of 2006.

And while the details of the proposal have yet to be released, Republicans have indicated that they have no House Republicans to Working People: Drop Dead intention of changing federal law to allow even a portion of transit funding to preserve service, saying that federal The Republican transit bill would also cause cash-strapped money should be used to build, not operate, transit systems. transit systems to further put off new equipment purchases

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 7 and deferred maintenance, causing significant safety issues. operations offers more promise and a greater guarantee to get America back to work. Our riders, our families and our “People will be boarding 20-year old buses held together communities deserve no less. with spit and glue, and transfer to subway, light rail, and commuter rail systems running on ancient tracks, rusty nuts Simply put: Our country’s economic future is “riding and bolts, and 20th century signal equipment. Americans want on the bus.” and deserve reliable, safe, affordable public transportation.” But Republicans and Democrats in Washington – who On July 8, the House Republicans told working people rarely agree on anything these days – are nearly united to drop dead. The GOP approach shows not just callous in their opposition to raising taxes for transportation. disregard but no regard for the people who lost and will Lawmakers of both parties are simply afraid to raise the lose family members because of underfunded, unsafe, and gas tax which funds highway and transit programs, even antiquated transit systems. For them and for those who though when it comes to public transit, people are more have lost, cannot find, or get to a job, Mica, who knows than willing to tax themselves. More than 70% of local better, offers no help and no hope. This must change. transportation ballot measures during the last decade have passed. But members of Congress are far more concerned about preserving their own jobs than creating new ones. Lack of Leadership Senate Environment and Public Works Committee The ATU supports President Obama’s outline for the Chair Barbara Boxer, D-CA, has acknowledged that unless reauthorization of the transportation bill, which calls for Congress passes a new transportation bill, 630,000 private nearly doubling the size of the federal transit program in sector jobs in highways and transit will be lost in 2012. FY 2012. The proposal recognizes the public transportation Yet even the Democratic-controlled Senate is working on a crisis and the role that transit can play in getting people proposal that will only support transportation programs at back to work. current funding levels (no new taxes).

But, of course, it is up to Congress to finance the With the August Congressional recess upon us, and the proposal. That is why now more than ever we need to 2012 campaign season rapidly approaching, there is no move aggressively to build coalitions with our riders to expectation that the legislative logjam will break anytime pressure Congress (and the Administration) to finance the soon. Meanwhile, the transit crisis continues. bill. No other investment in equipment, infrastructure and

ATU Marches with British Public Service Workers at Pension Protest

In top picture from left, National Greyhound Local President Bruce Hamilton joins UK’s Unite public worker union General Secretary Diana Holland, Toronto, ON Local 113 Executive Board Member Ian MacKay, Unison public service union General Secretary David Prentiss, and Toronto Local 113 President Bob Kinnear (second from right) in protesting proposals to cut back on public worker pensions in a massive demonstration on June 30, in Southampton, UK.

8 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 9 Canadians Lead The Way: Set New Ridership Record in 2010

TORONTO, ON (July 25, 2011): Public transit ridership CUTA Chair John King. “Sustaining this rate of ridership across Canada hit an all-time high in 2010 with 1.9 growth, however, requires ongoing support for expanding billion trips taken, a 4.1 % increase from the previous transit capacity and service levels through investment in year, according to the Canadian Urban Transit infrastructure and operations.” Association (CUTA).

“This new ridership record clearly demonstrates the Infrastructure Needs popularity of public transit among Canadians, as well as highlights the importance of establishing the success that CUTA’s most recent national infrastructure survey can be achieved when you provide regular, reliable funding reported a $53.5 billion need for public transit capital for safe, efficient public transportation,” stated ATU investment for the period 2010-2014, which includes International President Larry Hanley. all communities, only 67% of which is fundable under existing programs. Indeed, related CUTA research has “The increase in transit ridership in 2010 represents concluded that the economic return on investment in an addition of well over 75 million more passenger trips Canadian transit infrastructure exceeds 2:1 – a benefit that from 2009, roughly the equivalent of the total ridership of exceeds $10 billion annually. the Edmonton Transit System,” says CUTA President & CEO Michael Roschlau. “The increases were spread across “This record ridership in communities of all sizes the country in communities large and small, with many is proof of the need for sustainable long term funding, of Canada’s smaller communities showing remarkable Roschlau noted”. growth, with averages exceeding 5%.” For more information, visit www.cutaactu.ca “This growth in transit ridership shows that Canadians are looking for alternatives to high gas prices and traffic concerns, and public transit can represent a real option to reduce reliance on single occupancy vehicles,” says

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 9 L’Achalandage du Transport Collectif a Franchi une Nouvelle Étape Importante en 2010

TORONTO, ON (le 25 juillet 2011): L’achalandage des réseaux de transport collectif au Canada a connu une très forte croissance en 2010. En effet, le nombre d’usagers a augmenté de 4,1 % à l’échelle nationale par rapport à l’année précédente. Comme l’a indiqué aujourd’hui l’Association canadienne du transport urbain (ACTU), le nombre de déplacements, qui s’élève à 1,9 milliard, a atteint un sommet sans précédent au cours de 2010.

« Ce nouveau registre du nombre de passagers démontre clairement la popularité du transport en commun parmi les canadiens et il souligne l’importance d’établir un financement régulier et fiable pour un service de transport publique sûr et efficace », déclara le président international, Larry Hanley.

«La hausse du nombre d’usagers du transport collectif en 2010 représente 75 millions de déplacements supplémentaires par rapport à 2009, ce qui équivaut environ au nombre d’usagers de l’ensemble d’Edmonton Transit System », affirme Michael Roschlau, présidentdir­ ecteur général de l’ACTU. « Les hausses se sont étendues à l’ensemble du pays, dans les petites comme dans les grandes collectivités. De nombreuses petites collectivités canadiennes ont d’ailleurs connu une croissance remarquable, atteignant des moyennes de plus de 5 %.»

«Cette hausse du nombre d’usagers du transport collectif montre que la population canadienne essaie de trouver des solutions de rechange aux automobiles en raison de l’augmentation des prix du carburant et de la congestion routière. Le transport collectif peut d’ailleurs constituer une véritable option pour réduire l’utilisation des véhicules à passager unique », déclare John King, président de l’ACTU. « Cependant, pour que l’achalandage continue de croître, il faut constamment soutenir l’expansion de la capacité des réseaux de transport et des niveaux de services en investissant dans l’infrastructure et l’exploitation.»

La toute dernière enquête réalisée par l’ACTU concernant l’infrastructure nationale a révélé qu’il faudrait investir 53,5 milliards de dollars dans le transport collectif pour la période de 2010 à 2014, et ce, dans les collectivités de partout au pays. Cette enquête a aussi révélé que seulement 67 % de cet investissement peut être financé par les programmes actuels. D’ailleurs, l’ACTU a effectué une recherche à ce sujet qui lui a permis de conclure que la proportion du rendement économique du capital investi dans l’infrastructure de transport collectif du Canada est supérieure à 2:1, ce qui représente des profits de plus de 10 milliards de dollars par année.

«Comme la demande pour les services de transport collectif continue de croître, il sera essentiel d’établir un cadre stratégique canadien en matière de transport collectif qui reflète les intérêts de tous les ordres de gouvernement, afin de répondre aux besoins de la population canadienne », conclut M. Roschlau. « Le record d’achalandage qui a été observé dans les collectivités de toutes tailles prouve qu’un financement durable et à long terme est nécessaire.»

L’ACTU est une association nationale représentant des réseaux de transport collectif, des fournisseurs de l’industrie, des organismes gouvernementaux, des particuliers et des organismes connexes partout au Canada.

Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements sur l’Association, veuillez consulter le www.cutaactu.ca.

10 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 11 Canadian Agenda

Canadian Council Elects New Interim Officers, Plans to Push Anti-Assault Bill

he ATU Canadian Council held being eroded by ultraconservative politicians who blame Tits annual conference July 6 – 9, workers for the fiscal mess we’re in. hosted by Local 588-Regina, SK. The Regina members were celebrating the Hanley asserted that ATU needs to change its culture. local’s 100th anniversary, and were great “We need to do more than just negotiate contracts and hosts for the gathering. file grievances” he said. “We need to involve our members. We need to mobilize groups in various cities. The conference started unofficially on July 6, with We need to fight the multinational companies that are delegates concentrating on the Council’s bylaws, the trying to break unions and build relationships with restructuring and future of the Council, and how the unions in other countries to stop the multinationals from Council should adapt to the political changes facing transit destroying our rights.” workers. A roundtable discussion was held on these issues toward the goal of formulating a plan for the future. Social justice is important, Hanley declared, and we need to reach out and work together to preserve the The conference officially began with opening middle-class. Brother Hanley informed the conference ceremonies on July 7. Local 588 President Mike Ehmann that the International will strive to better communicate welcomed delegates and guests and introduced Regina and use social media to the ATU’s advantage. City Councillor Fred Clipsham who greeted participants on behalf of the city’s mayor. Locals can do things to get the message out to their members and the community, he said. The Union will After another welcome from Regina Transit Manager assist in any way possible. Kim Onrait, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour President Larry Hubich spoke, predicting that the federal International Executive Vice President Bob Baker also government’s “essential service” assault on transit workers spoke to the assembly. He pointed out that Canada is will accelerate. Canadian transit workers lose the right strong with good wages and benefits, and that we earn to strike when a legislature designates their agency an our contracts. The ATU sets the standard in this country, “essential service.” He urged conference-goers to vote for he said. Brother Baker also stated the International is candidates who share their pro-labour ideologies. committed to Canada and will assist us in building our future together.

Hanley: ‘We Need to Involve Our Members’ Election Results International President Larry Hanley spoke about the political situation in the U.S. where employee rights are The Council held interim elections for the following positions:

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 11 CANADIAN DIRECTOR: Assault Bill to be Reintroduced Stan Dera - Elected MP Brent Rathgeber, Edmonton/St. Albert, AB, addressed the conference. The member of Parliament tabled (introduced) VICE CHAIR: his first private members’ bill –C–637 - An Act to Amend the Felix Gendron, 591-Hull, QC: Elected Criminal Code (Public Transit Operators) on March 10. The proposed legislation, also known as Bregg’s Bill, is SECRETARY TO THE BOARD: named in honour of Tom Bregg, an Edmonton, AB Local Jeannie Garbett, 508-Halifax-NS, Elected 569 transit operator who was viciously attacked while performing his duties in December 2009.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER-EAST# 1 Unfortunately, the bill died on the order paper when Budh Dhillon, 107-Hamilton, ON: Elected Parliament was dissolved for an election this spring. However, Rathgeber will reintroduce the bill and put all his time and EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER-EAST #2 effort into making sure Bregg’s Bill becomes Bregg’s Law. Ian Laird, local 1415-Toronto, ON: Acclaimed Bernie Morton, ATU lobbyist and vice president of Sussex Strategy Group, reported what has been ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBER-EAST # 1 accomplished on Bregg’s Bill so far, and what needs to be Andrew Cleary, 1189-Guelph: Acclaimed done when Parliament resumes in the fall.

Bregg who attended as a guest of the Council, has been ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBER-EAST # 2 working on the legislative campaign to make sure what Gino Paolino, 279-Ottawa, ON: Acclaimed happened to him does not happen to anyone else.

Canadian Director Stan Dera applauded Bregg’s ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBER-WEST # 2 courage and thanked him for the help he has provided and Tim Johnston, 1724-Vancouver, BC: Elected for lending his name to the legislation.

2011 ATU EASTERN CANAM CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 13 – 18, 2011

The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach 100 South Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan, FL 33462 Toll-Free Hotel Reservations: 1-888-856-4273 Quote: “ATU Can-Am Conference” for Group Rate ($169/Night) Cut-Off Date for Hotel Reservations: August 14, 2011 Registration Deadline: August 30, 2011 All Delegates/Guests: Please Plan to arrive on Tuesday, September 13, and Depart on Sunday September 18

12 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 13 OPEN SEASON ON OPERATORS

COMBATING THE DRIVER ASSAULT EPIDEMIC

When he was ready to work again, he returned to Edmonton (AB) Transit, which arguably inflicted more lasting damage than his assailant did a year-and-a-half ago.

This attack was just one incident in a growing epidemic of violence against transit operators. In New York City there were more than 236 assaults on bus drivers in 2009. Washington, DC’s Metro reported a 10 percent rise in attacks on bus drivers in the past year.

According to ATU Canadian Director Stan Dera, 40% of Canadian drivers are assaulted on duty during the course of their careers. Toronto, ON Local 113 President Bob Kinnear says 700-800 of his members are assaulted every year. Bus driver Tom Bregg is one tough biker dude.

He was attacked more viciously than any ATU member in memory. An irate passenger punched and Still Standing and Biking stomped his face into a bloody mess, inflicting multiple facial and brain injuries. Rendered unconscious, he flat- Yet Tom Bregg is still standing. In fact, he just finished lined twice, lost the sight in one eye, and was put into a riding one of his three motorcycles to Alaska and back. coma to help his brain heal. His injuries were so severe Not that he had any specific reason to go there. When that Bregg had to learn how to talk again as he adjusted bikers get ready to ride, he explains, they pick a direction to how the broken bones mended in his face. – not a destination.

He was released from the hospital after several months Bregg did make an exception, however, when he rode and is still rehabilitating. to the July meeting of the Canadian Council Conference

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 13 in Regina, SK. He was invited because of his support practiced at their thievery (see video on atu.org). He was for legislation bearing his name (“Bregg’s Bill”) which pulled off the bus and pummeled by the three felons who would revise the federal criminal code by requiring made their escape and are still at large. higher federal penalties for persons convicted of assaulting transit workers (see Canadian Agenda, page Because he had a one-week vacation break scheduled 12). The proposed bill is similar to legislation the ATU in the middle of his suspension, the managers showed convinced the U.S. Congress to pass in 2002. how “kind” they could be by reducing his suspension to 25 days, which cost him $5,000. The agency even denied him worker’s compensation – a decision he is now appealing. ‘A Step Down’

“When the city discovered I wasn’t dead,” Bregg relates, they put him on worker’s compensation. But, since 30% of his earnings came from overtime, and worker’s comp came to 90% of his base pay, Bregg’s post-attack income only amounted to two-thirds of what he made before the attack.

When he was ready to go back to work the transit agency gave him a job, he says, “waving flags at trains” at outdoor stations. But, because Bregg’s battered face was now unusually sensitive to the cold, he couldn’t possibly do that job.

On May 11, Bregg’s worker’s compensation was terminated and he was offered a made-up job “shadowing” a dispatcher, again, at two-thirds of his Woodson, however, lost more than money. former income. That job might have held promise had “Psychologically,” he says, “I don’t do the job like I used his employers not made it abundantly clear that he would to. I don’t do the job with confidence. I do it with fear.” never become an actual dispatcher because the job would be a marginal promotion and the property has a policy of Canadian and American jurisdictions all have different never giving a promotion to an employee who’s received rules about what drivers should do with fare evaders. worker’s compensation. In some cities, they are supposed to ask for the fare and, if refused, to call supervisors for instructions. “I was stunned,” Bregg said. The policy meant that the only jobs available to him were “a step down.” In other places, the driver is penalized if he does not challenge the fare – setting up a confrontation in which Those who assault ATU members, some of them the driver is a sitting duck. Drivers from Local 726-Staten recidivists, rarely get serious prison time; many get suspended Island, NY, say that on some heavily-trafficked routes, sentences or community service – picking up trash along the half the passengers aren’t paying and drivers are told not bus route where they carried out their savagery. to challenge them.

Solutions? Suspended for Preventing a Robbery The violence against transit workers has not stopped in the United States, even though there’s been a federal One driver, Donald Woodson, law like the one proposed in Canada on the books for 998-Milwaukee, WI, who was almost a decade. In addition many states have passed beaten while protecting the similar laws that are rarely enforced. That suggests that transit agency’s property – bus something must be done in addition to legislation. transfers – was rewarded by the agency’s managers with a 30-day suspension for allegedly Laws have to be enforced. And effective enforcement initiating a confrontation with passengers who seemed costs money. It is unlikely that any city in North America

14 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 15 will pay to hire transit police to patrol every bus that rolls through a bad neighborhood. Bregg Attacker Jailed ATU is building alliances to work with other unions and industry groups to fight for protective devices for Indefinitely, Declared drivers. ‘Dangerous Offender’ Some cities have installed shields between the driver and alighting passengers. But, problems often crop up with shields that are retrofitted onto existing motor coaches. Drivers, also, are not always comfortable with shields.

Radios and surveillance cameras are becoming commonplace on urban fleets, as are GPS locators. Some argue that there should be a driver’s side escape door. However, that would be of little use if transit agencies don’t change their policies prohibiting drivers from leaving their bus while on duty.

Others are teaching their drivers something called verbal judo to psychologically disarm an angry passenger. That however, might not be helpful with a mentally Edmonton Transit driver Tom Bregg speaks to reporters in Ottawa about a private member’s disturbed person. bill that bears his name. (CBC) Many drivers say that nothing can completely protect them in a job in which strangers are invited into their workplace on purpose. As In Transit went to press it was reported that the man who viciously attacked Tom Bregg, 569-Edmonton, Best Protection? Respect. AB, (see adjacent article) was declared a “dangerous offender” on July 25. The One driver in Washington, DC, may have explained designation by an Alberta provincial court the problem when he said that the best protection drivers sends the criminal to jail for an indefinite used to have was the position of respect they once held period of time. in the community, but that attitude has eroded in many The assailant who now becomes a ward places in Canada and the United States. of Corrections Canada will remain in In an economy which forces people out of the middle prison until it is determined that he is no class and pushes the poor deeper into poverty, the longer a risk to the public. He can appeal uniformed bus driver may be viewed as an agent of the the decision. “haves” demanding even more than they’ve already taken The court’s ruling is the most severe from the “have-nots” in exchange for a ride. punishment given for assaulting a bus driver Does this suggest that nothing can be done short of since the recent wave of violence began. changing the economy or culture of our nations? In our next issue In Transit will explore the joint work being done by ATU and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) to find solutions to this growing problem.

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 15 Get on the Bus: Transit Union Looks to Ally with Riders

ore than 100 transit activists met in Washington, MDC in mid-March for the Amalgamated Transit Union’s “boot camp,” learning how to build coalitions between transit workers and transit riders.

Responding to the near-universal threat of budget cuts and privatization of transit systems, International President Larry Hanley wrote, “We want to create a very ambitious plan that stretches people’s imaginations. We have the best story in town. We have to stop just saying it to each other, and say it to those outside our circle.”

Hanley, elected last fall, has called transit “the greenest job you’re going to find” and has long advocated alliances Responding to the near-universal threat of budget cuts and privatization, transit workers and riders are learning how to work together, like these with the riding public to improve service, save jobs, and Toronto activists. Photo: Local 113-Toronto, ON. ensure a future for public transit.

More than 3,000 transit workers have been laid off in Those who watched the video on the ATU website the current recession. and answered a few questions were eligible for a prize, a monthly transit pass. By the end of the mayoral race, This was the ATU’s second gathering of the sort since privatization was off the table and none of the candidates October. The international is giving incentives to locals were speaking for it. who begin working with the community by matching the political action funds that locals devote to this work. Atlanta Begins to Organize

Successful Model Atlanta was represented at the DC meeting by its local president, the members of the Clayton County Transit An anti-privatization struggle in Toronto, ON, last Riders Union, the Atlanta Public Sector Alliance, and fall was held up as a successful model. A budget crisis was Atlantans Building Leadership for Empowerment. happening in the midst of a mayoral race. Three of the four candidates were proposing some version of privatization of Atlanta’s transit system (MARTA) is trapped in a the transit system. downward spiral of service cuts and fare increases. Because of state legislators’ racism toward Atlanta, MARTA is Local 113 launched a Public Transit Coalition the largest transit system in the country that receives no campaign that involved 12,000 individual members operating help from the state. and diverse organizations such as the Chinese Canadian National Council, Federation of Metro Tenants, Canadian Last year MARTA made the deepest cuts in its history, Federation of Students, and Canadian Association of eliminating 40 bus routes, increasing wait times for trains, Physicians for the Environment. and closing bathrooms in 29 stations. The workforce was cut by 14 percent, with 300 laid off. The coalition put on an internet and media campaign that included an 18-minute film with an anti-privatization In particular, disabled riders have had big problems message, shown on the buses. Because advertising is allowed with the system, including accessibility to buses and trains, on the buses, management could not object to the union’s broken-down equipment such as elevators not working, access to riders. poor communication, and no accountability. Because

16 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 17 of poor planning on management’s part, operators are alliance advocates a “human rights” approach to building given unrealistic schedules, resulting in late pick-ups and a movement, holding government institutions accountable operator stress. for protecting and fulfilling basic human rights – such as mobility – and promoting reallocation of resources and Bringing the lessons of the DC meeting home, Atlanta progressive taxation to address the crisis. transit activists strategized at the April meeting of Concerned Transit Riders for Equal Access. The meeting was made up As the Toronto Public Transit Coalition puts it, of disability rights activists, ATU members, the Atlanta “All governments have a responsibility to fund public Public Sector Alliance, and a teacher representing Metro transit adequately to ensure a high level of service and Atlantans for Public Schools. affordable fares.”

Riders and workers began engaging each other. Both A committee of riders and workers will widen their sides targeted the problems caused by MARTA management reach by flyering in MARTA workplaces, on buses, and that result in poor service and low morale. “They are trying at retirement apartments where many disability rights to make us do more work with less people,” said ATU activists live. These public sector workers are intent on executive board member Mark Fitzgerald. building power by uniting with the people they serve.

“Insurance costs are doubled. People’s job security is threatened,” said Shop Steward David Roseboro, adding that MARTA Mobility – which provides service to the — Paul McLennan, retired bus mechanic and member of Local disabled – has the highest turnover of any department. 732-Atlanta, GA, republished by permission from LaborNotes which can be found at: http://www.labornotes.org/

Human Rights Approach

The Atlanta Public Sector Alliance outlined how global economic problems are driving cuts at the local level. The

Nova Scotia Requires Drivers to Yield Buses Right of Way

ova Scotia is taking steps to improve transit efficiency and safety with Nlegislation that was advocated by the Canadian Council. The new law which went into effect May 1 requires drivers to yield the right of way to transit buses signaling their intention to re-enter the traffic stream.

“Currently, buses must rely on the courtesy of drivers to re-enter traffic. This legislation will provide clarity for all drivers while helping to reduce schedule delays,” explained Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. “This legislation will make life better for all road users by improving public transit efficiency and safety.”

Fines for failing to yield to a transit bus range from $167 - $340, including court costs.

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 17 ATU Report Calls for Congress to Extend Overtime Protection to OTR Drivers

n response to the deadly crashes that continue to plague House. While the bill makes some long-overdue and Ithe over-the-road (OTR) bus industry, International important changes to regulations in the industry, it does not President Larry Hanley has issued a clarion call for reform of include a specific proposal to address driver fatigue. the employment practices of interstate operators. Hanley is calling on Congress to include an amendment The report,Sudden Death Overtime, targets driver to the bill that would ensure that the overtime provisions fatigue as the single largest cause of in the Fair Labor Standards Act these fatal bus crashes. Hanley has (FLSA) are applied to bus drivers also renewed his call for Congress Lawmaker Asks DOT to Review for these companies. Currently to address driver fatigue as part Interstate Overtime Exemption intercity bus drivers are exempt of bus safety legislation currently from these provisions and many are under consideration in Washington. Rep. John L. Lewis, D-GA, wrote to forced to work second jobs during Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, their so-called “rest period” just to “Hundreds of intercity bus July 20, asking that the DOT review the make ends meet. Under the ATU’s companies – usually tiny operations Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) exemption proposed reforms, drivers would get that have only a few buses – get which prevents transit workers from paid fairly for the work they put in away with paying their bus drivers receiving fair overtime pay. above 40 hours per week, making criminally low wages,” asserts View the letter at www.atu.org. them less inclined to work other Hanley, “As a result, bus drivers jobs while pushing their bodies to are being forced to work 100 hours the limit. a week or more, often balancing two or three jobs, just to make a living. The unsuspecting customers get on these “At the end of the day, technical fixes like seatbelts and buses and disaster can strike.” driver training – while incredibly important – won’t prevent crashes so long as drivers aren’t stopped from getting behind The National Transportation Safety Board estimates the wheel on zero sleep,” said Hanley. that 36% of motorcoach crash fatalities over the past decade have been due to driver fatigue. It is the number “For decades FLSA has covered 85 percent of American one cause of fatal accidents. workers,” said Hanley. “Extending these protections to intercity bus drivers is not only the right thing to do; it’s Congress has introduced The Motorcoach Enhanced the safe thing to do for our riders. Until the issue of driver Safety Act of 2011, led in the Senate by Senator Sherrod fatigue is addressed, no legislation to improve intercity bus Brown, D-OH, and by Rep. John Lewis, D-GA, in the safety will be complete, or effective.”

18 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 19 STRATEGIC CAMPAIGNS UPDATE From the ATU Strategic Campaigns Department

AUSTIN, TX Local 1005 is organizing to have hundreds of members and community allies attend public hearings throughout Local 1091 members are reaching out to strengthen August. They had previously collected 15,000 postcards to alliances with passengers, community organizations, and support transit funding, and will continue to activate this fellow labor unions. broad base of riders as the fight escalates.

COVINGTON, KY MADISON, WI

Local 628 reached out to develop partnerships with An “ATU Day” was a huge success. Not only did 10 Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, JWJ, Sierra Club and Local 519 members show up and work, but ATU members university students in order to fight right-to-work efforts, from Wausau, Eau Claire and Minneapolis came and and to build a pro-public transit campaign. contributed to our recall effort.

DETROIT, MI “It never ceases to amaze me how ATU members are always willing to fight the good fight wherever and ATU Locals 26 and 1564 are fighting Michigan Public whenever it needs to be fought. I have witnessed the Act 4, the “Emergency Manager Act”, with good old- willingness of Midwest ATU members to aid each other fashioned member-to member organizing. in their time of need over and over again!” said Local 519 The law gives the governor “sole discretion” to appoint an President Dale Anderson. “This is truly what democracy emergency manager for any city, village or school district in looks like, and what being an ATU member is all about.” the state. “EMs,” once in place, can sell off public property WASHINGTON, DC and shred all municipal contracts, including union contracts. They can dismiss all elected officials, charge the Local 689 bus operators in Washington DC’s Metro local budget with hefty salaries for themselves and anyone system have had enough. After three assaults on bus they choose to hire, and even dissolve the local government operators in a single week and little response from entirely. Metro officials they decided to take matters into their own hands. Led by shop stewards and member activists who Michigan ATU locals held an emergency meeting in were part of an internal mobilization team, they got the Lansing to discuss the legislation and 44 other anti-worker word out to all bus operators encouraging them to do a bills introduced in the GOP-controlled legislature. The thorough safety check before heading out of the garage in locals have also instigated at least 500 calls from ATU the morning. members to their state representatives. An early August rally is planned in Detroit to draw more attention to the The result? Thousands of calls into central anti-democratic law. communications as bus drivers performed what is a MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN routine check of their safety equipment and radios. The influx of calls created an overload and nearly shut down Local 1005 is gearing up for a massive fight to save central command. Operators got Metro’s attention: safety jobs, preserve service, and avoid a 25% fare increase is no joke. following a two-week government shutdown, in which Officials quickly called for a meeting with union the Republican legislature refused to accept Democratic leadership to re-visit prior demands for a better designed bus Governor Dayton’s proposal to increase taxes on the top safety shield along with increased transit police surveillance 1% of the population. A budget which inflicts deep cuts of the bus system. on spending is going into affect.

The impact on public transportation is devastating, with a likely $109 million dollars slashed from the state budget

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 19 BELIEVE IT OR NOT! Everyone in Massachusetts Cities Agrees with ATU: ‘We Need More Service’

enthusiasm of the passengers who are signing petitions for the added service.

The Labor Extension Program at the University of Massachusetts hired a part-time organizer to ride buses and spend time at the transit centers in the two cities to engage passengers and explain the value of more service. She is gathering signatures for postcards in favor of the increased service.

A 25-year veteran of driving in Fall River, the organizer remembers 12 years ago when there was Sunday service. “You couldn’t get a seat they were so crowded,” Massachusetts bus riders an ATU members unite she said. Another long-time ATU member quoted a for night and Sunday service. former member of the transit agency who said “When you don’t have night and Sunday service, you are closing the city down.” n the state where revolution was fomented by idealistic, Ifearless citizens, members of the ATU and their passengers are fighting back against the injustice of not Passengers Say No Need for Debate receiving their fair share of bus service in return for the taxes they pay every work week. Passengers say there should be no more debate on how much the additional service will cost, than there would be Massachusetts Local Presidents Gary Pires, 1037- for fire, police, sanitation, or ambulance service. New Bedford; and Eric Carvalho, 174-Fall River, have energized their members and reached out to residents Adding transit service, both union leaders agree, would of their cities in a demand to bring back Sunday and generate additional sales tax revenue for the cities from night transit service. Working with community groups, business owners who will have more customers, which, senior citizens, people with disabilities, religious groups, in turn, will create new jobs, increased employment tax and other union leaders, the presidents believe their revenue, and reduced traffic congestion as people leave efforts will pay off soon. their cars at home.

ATU Field Mobilizer Casey Stanton met with Local Presidents Richard O’Flaherty, 547-Brockton and Both Mayors Favor Increased Service Chuck Ryan, 1548-Plymouth to begin forming “Both mayors are with us,” said Carvalho. At a a community/union coalition for improved service in community meeting in Fall River on July 17, Mayor Will their communities. Flanagan showed his support by stating added service is a Pires, who organized the meeting, said “Big things “moral issue.” are happening in Massachusetts and the ATU is leading During an interview with the ATU (see video at atu. the way.” org) New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang said he was behind the effort. The two mayors control the board of the local transit agency so if they want it done, it will happen. Carvalho said he and his members are energized by the

20 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 21 Wisconsin’s ‘Walker 6’ Face Recall Elections

his summer Wisconsinites have the chance to reclaim All six Wisconsin State AFL-CIO-endorsed candidates Ttheir state and restore democracy to Wisconsin. Six made it through the primary for an August 9 election date GOP Senators blindly followed an unpopular agenda – and now with Sen. Dave Hansen’s victory, the people of set by Republican Governor Scott Walker and the Koch Wisconsin are seven for seven! brothers to strip Wisconsin workers of their unions and their workplace rights.

“The Walker 6” ignored their constituents. They pushed through a corporate-backed agenda to hurt the middle class. Now, due to historic grassroots activism the Walker 6 face recall elections. It is up to the people of Wisconsin to vote the Walker 6 out of office and protect the members of the “Fabulous 14” who stood up for everyday Wisconsinites when the line was drawn in the sand.

The next two dates that are important are:

Tuesday, August 9: The general election in the Republican districts: the day to take back Wisconsin. Wisconsin ATU members are urged to vote GOP senators who stood with Scott Walker to attack Wisconsin workers and communities out of office.

Tuesday, August 16: The general election in the two Democratic districts. Vote to protect those who stood up for working families.

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Endorsed candidates:

• Fred Clark - Senate District 14 • Dave Hansen - Senate District 30 • Jim Holperin - Senate District 12 • Jessica King - Senate District 18 • Shelly Moore - Senate District 10 • Nancy Nusbaum - Senate District 2 • Sandy Pasch - Senate District 8 • Jennifer Shilling - Senate District 32 • Bob Wirch - Senate District 22

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 21 ATU Family Members Awarded Union Plus Scholarships

“During a time when the labor movement is under attack, helping union members and their children achieve their educational goals is critical. This year’s scholarship recipients appreciate that their unions provide family-sustaining benefits, a voice in the workplace and a path to achieve the American Dream,”

— Leslie Tolf, President, Union Privilege

Union Plus has awarded $150,000 in scholarships to 130 students representing 43 unions, including three children of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) members, in the 2011 Union Plus Scholarship Program:

Hanna Choi of Portland, OR, whose father Yoo-sik Choi is a member of Local 757 and whose mother also is a union member, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship.

Jean Choi of Portland, OR, who is also the daughter of Yoo-sik Choi of Local 757 and whose mother also is a union member, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship.

Amber Simpson of Chicago, IL, whose father Tevell Simpson is a member of Local 241, has been awarded a $500 scholarship.

MEET THE 2011 ATU HONOREES

HANNA CHOI JEAN CHOI AMBER SIMPSON

Now at Harvard pursuing a A high achiever like her sister A college student who plans to degree in musicology. Hanna is an Hanna, but she also is very much pursue graduate degrees in medicine exceptional student with wide-ranging her own person. An accomplished and public health. “I am committed interests. She is a graphic designer, a cellist, she also enjoys piano and golf. to addressing the health disparities violinist, a drummer and a member A member of the National Honor existing in under-represented groups of the Harvard Pan-African Dance Society, Jean cites the program’s four and under-developed communities and Music Ensemble. Last year, she pillars of scholarship, leadership, in the U.S.,” she says. Her career goal traveled to Alabama to help rebuild a service and character as being is to investigate, research and treat church that had been burned in a racial principles she emulates in her own ailments affecting vulnerable and hate crime. Her goal is to work with life. As an example of leadership, diverse populations. Amber knows young people, imparting to others Jean founded a quartet which that one important public health the lessons of service, compassion and has performed in churches and at issue is access to health insurance, social justice that she learned when fundraisers at no charge. With a and she is grateful for the strong she was young. “Without the support father in ATU and a mother in AFT, union health benefits she grew up of my parents and their unions, I Jean says, “There is no doubt that with. Unions’ strong advocacy for would not be where I am now,” she our parents’ unions played a big part workers and quality care, she says, says. Hanna’s mother, Soon Choi, is in my growth thus far.” “continues to motivate me to join a a member of AFT. union someday.”

22 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 23 House Democrats Oppose Deadly Trade Deal

f you think it’s rough being a worker in post-New Naturally, House Republicans are standing in the school IDeal America, you can take some solace in that you house door again. They have banded together to block any are not being murdered by government-backed terrorists attempts by organized labor and Democrats to give workers in Colombia*. a fair deal on the job, provided the workers aren’t killed first.

The Obama Administration, ignoring a promise made The Democrats claim that the Obama deal has an by President Clinton when he signed the NAFTA deal, “action plan” to include protection for workers, but there is backing away from protecting the rights of workers is no enforcement mechanism, making it a toothless in that country as it tries to get the House to pass a new tiger. They also say that Obama has caved into the free trade treaty. In July, activists staged a protest outside Republicans by not insisting that his action plan have more the White House and carried mock coffins to highlight the bite to it. murders of trade unionists in Colombia. At the heart of the dispute is Obama’s contention that Luckily for Colombian - and all worker - some his “labor action plan” keeps U.S. laws intact and there is Democrats aren’t going along for the ride. no need for any new language in the proposed treaty.

House Democrats John Larson, CT, Sandy Levin, McDermott replies “I don’t know how anyone could MI, Jim McDermott, WA, and George Miller, CA, are vote for the Colombia free trade agreement implementing standing up for workers, who face harsh conditions and legislation unless it includes a meaningful reference to the physical intimidation imposed by their Colombian employers action plan related to labor.” and have vowed to block the treaty unless it is changed to conform with promises made during the NAFTA debates. *For more information go to: www.atu.org

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 23 Colombian Union Leaders Murdered as US Pursues Trade Pact

he next time you stop by a vending machine, In April of this year, AFL-CIO president Richard Thankering for a Coca-Cola product, you might want Trumka said: “In the past 25 years, more than 2,850 to keep walking, get a few sips from the water fountain trade unionists have been murdered in Colombia. Last and send the money to ATU-COPE PLUS to protect year alone, 51 trade unionists were murdered. Six trade your job, pension and health benefits. unionists have been murdered so far this year, including two in the second week of July.” It’s not a tough boycott, really, and it might help the leaders of Colombian trade unions who are subjected to In newspaper ads, the AFL-CIO has been reminding terrorist sadism sponsored by, among others, Coke-The American and Congressional leaders, as well as President Real Thing. One of the most infamous murders occurred Obama, that the trade agreement with Colombia would a few weeks before Christmas in 1996, when a far-right reward the terror tactics employers inflict on their workers para-miliitary gang assassinated Isídro Segundo Gil, the through hired goon squads. union’s chief negotiator with Coke. Of course, Coke denied involvement and they would never lie. Unfair Trading Environment

Don’t take out word for it. Recently, more than 400 NGO’s from Colombia and the U.S. sent a letter to congressional leaders demanding that they block the agreement. “The agreement fails to recognize the serious labor, human rights, Afro-Colombian, indigenous and environmental concerns,” according to the group.

The signatories said the treaty would “create an unfair trading environment for the people of the United States and Colombia.” The group also stressed that “Labor rights in Colombia were subject to serious scrutiny long before the debate over the FTA began. Colombia Two days after Coca Cola bottling worker and union officer Isidro Segundo Gil was murdered at his workplace, paramilitaries entered continues to be the most dangerous country in the the plant and told employees they had three choices: resign from the world for trade unionists.” union, leave Carepa, or be killed. According to eyewitnesses, the workers were then led into the manager’s office to sign union resignation forms prepared by the company. Photo from In These Times.

24 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 25 ANTIPATRIOTES au syndicat des travailleurs du transport (TWU) defraudados y engañados. Ellos van a coincidir pour l’élaboration d’un effort transfrontalier pour en que era vital llegar a un “terreno común”. Le 4 juillet, des millions d’Américains attirer l’attention sur l’épidémie d’agressions Pero cualquier terreno común que recorte ont célébré l’Indépendance du pays avec des et lutter pour l’introduction de dispositifs de medicare, salarios, pensiones y seguridad social feux d’artifices, des groupes de musique, des protection pour nos membres. generalmente se da en una sola dirección: los parades, des discours louant les valeurs que nous ricos se harán más ricos y los pobres se harán Nous continuons à travailler dans toutes les partageons. Mais l’élite américaine ne partage pas más pobres. Cuando rebajen los impuestos communautés où nous avons des membres. Et nos valeurs. Elle valorise uniquement l’avidité. Il para los super ricos y suban las tarifas de nous continuons à former vos dirigeants et vis ne reste plus de patriotisme à Wall Street et je le autobuses y trenes, hablarán de “sacrificios délégués syndicaux pour les préparer à être des cherche à Washington D.C. compartidos”. ¿Quién hará el sacrificio? dirigeants plus forts chaque jour. Une fausse guerre est menée entre Républicains En Michigan estamos instruyendo a cada Nous avons besoin de membres partout pour et Démocrates à Washington au sujet du « plafond miembro de ATU para que luche por su derecho s’unir et nous aider à mener la lutte pour redonner de la dette ». C’est une couverture pour instaurer de negociar: un derecho arrebatado este año por au débat public les valeurs qui on créé la classe une peur publique qui leur permettra de faire un la legislación. En Ohio ayudamos a reunir 1.2 moyenne de l’Amérique du Nord. « grand marchandage ». millones de firmas para rechazar la ley contra Veuillez contacter vos dirigeants syndicaux el trabajo. En Winsconsin estamos organizando La seule garantie dans ce marchandage est locaux et dites-leur que vous êtes prêt à vous a nuestros miembros para que destituyan a los que les américains moyens seront laissés de côté, défendre. Utilisez quotidiennement le site Internet políticos. lésés et dupés. Ils seront d’accord sur le fait que du syndicat international qui est un instrument « des bases communes » sont vitales. Mais toute permettant d’unir nos membres. base commune qui occasionne des réductions de LANZAMIENTO DEL NUEVO SITIO DE ATU l’assurance-maladie, des salaires, des pensions de retraite et de la sécurité sociale est commune dans Este mes inaguramos un nuevo departamento TENEZ- VOUS AU COURANT AVEC LES de comunicaciones con una estrategia para que seulement une direction; les riches s’enrichiront COURRIELS DE L’UTA et les pauvres s’appauvriront. En diminuant les la llegada a nuestros miembros y al público sea impôts des très riches et en augmentant les tarifs Mettre à jour les communications de l’UTA más efectiva. Lanzamos un sitio web más fácil de pour les autobus et les trains, ils vont parler de avec nos membres est une de mes plus hautes usar, www.atu.org en donde constantemente se « sacrifice partagé ». Qui partagera? priorités. Par conséquent, en supplément à agrega nueva información, nuevas herramientas In Transit, nous enverrons régulièrement des y funciones de multimedios. Estamos manejando Au Michigan, nous aidons chaque membre de courriels à nos membres. el poder de Facebook, Twitter y de otros sitios de l’UTA à combattre pour le droit de négocier − redes sociales. droit qui a été retiré par la législation cette année. Pour un abonnement gratuit, envoyez-nous En Ohio, nous avons aidé à recueillir 1,2 millions simplement par courriel votre nom, adresse et de signatures pour abroger la loi antisyndicale numéro de téléphone à [email protected]. ESTÁNDARES DE TRABAJO JUSTOS PARA de l’état. Au Wisconsin, nous organisons nos Nous vous ajouterons à la liste d’envoi de l’UTA CONDUCTORES DE AUTOBUSES membres pour demander le retour des politiciens. pour que vous puissiez recevoir des messages de ma part, ainsi que les informations et les nouvelles Los estándares de trabajo justos para les plus récentes de l’UTA. Bien entendu, vous conductores de autobuses será un objetivo LANCEMENT DU NOUVEAU SITE INTERNET pouvez résilier votre abonnement à tout moment importante en el esfuerzo continuo de obtener DE L’UTA et nous ne partagerons votre adresse courriel avec un sueldo justo y una noche de descanso antes de personne. conducir un autobús. La seguidilla de accidentes Ce mois-ci, nous avons lancé un nouveau ocurridos recientemente en las carreteras ha département de la communication avec une Comme encouragement supplémentaire, demostrado el punto de que está mal negar a stratégie pour rendre notre action sociale envers pour un temps limité, nous allons procéder à los conductores de autobuses un sobretiempo de nos membres et le public plus efficace. Nous une sélection aléatoire dans la liste d’envoi. Vous descanso luego de 40 horas, un derecho básico de avons lancé un nouveau site Internet plus pourrez gagner de la marchandise de l’UTA ou los norteamericanos en vigencia desde 1930 para convivial à l’adresse www.atu.org où de nouvelles d’autres prix de valeur. Consultez le site atu.org el 85% de los trabajadores norteamericanos. informations, outils et options multimédia sont pour plus de détails. constamment introduits. Nous exploitons les Et, comme toujours, lisez également les pages MEDIADORES DE UNA SOCIEDAD INDIGNADA possibilités de Facebook, Twitter et d’autres sites de cette revue pour partager l’expérience commune de réseaux sociaux. des employés des transports en commun partout, Los trabajadores del tránsito son los mediadores dans notre effort de nous unir et de combattre de primera línea de una sociedad indignada y pour nos familles et nos communautés. DES NORMES DE TRAVAIL ÉQUITABLE POUR estamos registrando un aumento de los asaltos a LES CONDUCTEURS D’AUTOBUS conductores de autobuses al mismo tiempo que se reduce el servicio y las tarifas aumentan. Nos Des normes de travail équitable pour les sumamos al mayor sindicato de trabajadores del conducteurs d’autobus seront un but important transporte del país –Transport Workers Union dans l’effort actuel d’obtenir des salaires équitables NO PATRIOTAS (TWU)- para afianzar un esfuerzo transfornterizo et une bonne nuit de sommeil avant de conduire que llame la atención acerca de la plaga de asaltos El 4 de julio millones de norteamericanos un autobus. La récente série d’accidents mortels y luche por la obtención de dispositivos de celebraron la independencia del país con fuegos sur la route prouve bien que c’est une erreur protección para nuestros miembros. artificiales, bandas, desfiles y discursos exaltando que de refuser le droit des chauffeurs d’autobus los valores que compartimos. Pero la elite de Seguimos trabajando en las comunidades au taux majoré de moitié après 40 heures − une Norteamérica no comparte nuestros valores. en donde tengamos miembros. Y seguimos droit fondamental américain appliqué à 80 % des Ellos sólo valoran la codicia. Ya no queda nada de entrenando a sus representantes sindicales y travailleurs américains depuis les années 1930. patriotismo en Wall Street y estoy buscando a ver administradores locales para prepararlos a fin de si queda algo en Washington DC. que cada día sean líderes más fuertes. MÉDIATEURS D’UNE SOCIÉTÉ EN COLÈRE Hay una falsa lucha entre Republicanos y Necesitamos que los miembros de todos lados Demócratas en Washington acerca del “tope del se reúnan y nos ayuden a luchar para restablecer Les employés des transports en commun sont endeudamiento”. Es una máscara para fomentar el en el debate público los valores que construyeron les médiateurs de première ligne d’une société miedo público que después les permitirá hacer un la clase media de los norteamericanos. en colère et nous constatons une augmentation “gran negocio”. des agressions contre les conducteurs d’autobus Por favor póngase en contacto con sus dans une situation de diminutions des services La única garantía en el negocio es que los representantes locales y dígales que está listo para et d’augmentation des tarifs. Nous nous unissons norteamericanos comunes serán excluidos, dar la lucha. Utilice todos los días el sitio web del

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 25 Sindicato Internacional como una herramienta Eh bien, je dois faire un aveu. En effet, vacances, les congés de maladie, les précautions para unir a nuestros miembros. dans nos deux pays, nous sommes engagés dans de sécurité, l’égalité au travail, etc., ont-ils une lutte des classes, mais il ne s’agit pas du tous dramatiquement diminués au cours de la type de guerre que les riches et les puissants dernière décennie? MANTÉNGASE ACTUALIZADO CON EL CORREO veulent nous faire à croire. Ceci n’est pas une Bref, pourquoi les travailleurs ont-ils été privés ELECTRÓNICO DE ATU révolte socialiste. Il est difficile même de la de tout ce pour quoi ils ont combattu et sont qualifier de mouvement. Una de nuestras principales prioridades es morts pendant les dernières 150 années? mantener una comunicación actualizada de ATU Non, ceci est une guerre déclarée par le un para con nuestros miembros. Además de nuestra pour cent représentant les plus fortunés aux 99 revista In Transit, enviaremos correos electrónicos autres. C’est une guerre dans laquelle Wall Street PAS D’AUTRE CHOIX QUE DE RIPOSTER regularmente a nuestros miembros. et les grandes banques accumulent leur argent Nous n’avons pas d’autre choix que de riposter après que nous les aillons tiré d’affaire afin d’éviter Suscríbase gratis con solo enviar su nombre, par tous les moyens légaux à notre disposition. un effondrement économique. C’est une guerre dirección y número telefónico por correo Et en dernier recours, nous devons utiliser notre dans laquelle on fait sentir aux gens qu’ils sont electrónico a [email protected]. Lo arme la plus puissante − l’urne électorale. égoïstes s’ils pensent pouvoir vivre décemment incluiremos en la lista de correo electrónico de en travaillant dur et en suivant les règles. C’est C’est tout ce qu’il faut. C’est la chose la plus ATU para que reciba mensajes de mi parte, como une guerre dans laquelle le peu de choses sur simple mais, souvent, la tâche la plus difficile así también las últimas novedades e información lesquelles les gens peuvent compter − la sécurité que d’amener les gens à participer au processus de ATU. Naturalmente, usted podrá cancelar su sociale, le régime de pension canadien, le régime politique et ce, dans leur propre intérêt. suscripción cuando lo desee y no divulgaremos su d’assurance-maladie et Medicai (l’assurance- dirección de correo electrónico. Aucun d’entre nous ne peut se permettre d’être médicament) − sont dit « non viables ». un objecteur de conscience dans cette guerre. Je Como incentivo adicional, vamos a premiar Et cela, prétendent-ils, est une guerre que nous vous en prie, rejoignez l’UTA et devenez actifs al azar a los miembros de la lista de correo menons contre eux? Non, ceci est une guerre dans la campagne de défense de votre subsistance electrónico, haciendo sorteos donde usted puede dans laquelle nous essayons simplement de nous et de vos droits. ganar valiosos productos de ATU y otros premios. accrocher à ce que nous avons. Para más detalles, visite atu.org Y como siempre, también vea las páginas de ENSEMBLE, NOUS POUVONS RÉUSSIR, ET esta revista para compartir la experiencia común LES TAXES TUENT LES EMPLOIS? ENSEMBLE, NOUS ALLONS RÉUSSIR? a los trabajadores del tránsito de todos lados mientras unimos fuerzas y luchamos por nuestras C’est une guerre dans laquelle les législateurs familias y comunidades. conservateurs demandent sacrifice après sacrifice En solidarité, aux gens ordinaires, mais refusent même de fermer Robert H. Baker les échappatoires fiscaux des riches. Faire quoi que ce soit d’autre, disent-ils, tuera des emplois. Eh bien, j’ai une question pour eux. Nous LA LUTTE DES CLASSES? avions des taux d’imposition bas pour les riches aux É.-U. depuis le début de l’administration de ¿LUCHA DE CLASES? Les experts conservateurs aiment critiquer George W. Bush et qu’a-t-on obtenu pour cela? ceux d’entre nous qui défendent les familles de A los expertos conservadores les gusta criticar a travailleurs, en surnommant cela « la lutte des Pourquoi les emplois ne se sont-ils pas rétablis aquellos de nosotros que defendemos a las familias classes ». Pour une raison ou pour une autre, cela depuis la grande récession? Pourquoi les gens trabajadoras llamándolo una “lucha de clases”. est supposé inspirer la peur dans les cœurs des qui retournent sur le marché du travail doivent- Esto se supone que de alguna manera infunde gens qui gagnent de bons revenus, et faire honte à ils accepter des emplois à moindre salaire? miedo en los corazones de las personas que tienen ce qui ne gagnent pas de tels revenus. Pourquoi l’assurance-maladie, les pensions, les buenos ingresos y vergüenza en aquellos que no.

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26 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 27 Bueno, tengo que confesar algo. En nuestros QUE LA LIBERTÉ DEJEN RESONAR LA dos países estamos sumergidos en una lucha de clases, pero no en el tipo de lucha que los ricos RETENTISSE LIBERTAD y poderosos quieren hacerle creer a usted. Esto C’est le mois d’août à Washington. Et ces Es agosto en Washington. Y estos cálidos no es una sublevación de los socialistas. Apenas journées chaudes dans la capitale nationale me font días en la capital de la nación me hacen pensar siquiera es un movimiento. penser à la journée étouffante du 27 août 1963, en aquel sofocante día -el 27 de agosto de 1963- No, esta es una lucha declarada por el uno por lorsque le révérend Martin Luther King, Jr. mena des cuando el Reverendo Martin Luther King Jr. ciento de los ricos en contra del 99 por ciento milliers de personnes aux marches du monument condujo a miles hacia los escalones del Lincoln restante. Es una lucha en donde Wall Street y los à la mémoire de Lincoln pour prononcer son Memorial para pronunciar su discurso “Yo tengo grandes bancos amontonan su dinero después de fameux discours : « I Have a Dream ». Ce discours un sueño”. Ese discurso está tan arraigado en que nosotros los rescatamos para evitar una crisis est maintenant tellement enraciné dans notre nuestra conciencia colectiva que me atrevo a decir económica. Es una lucha en donde a la gente se conscience collective que je m’aventurerai à dire que que todos en EE.UU. y en Canadá conocen aquel la hace sentir culpable si piensa que debe tener presque tous aux É.-U. et au Canada connaissent ce momento de la historia. moment historique. una vida digna si se trabaja duro y se actúa según Sin embargo, unos pocos recuerdan el papel las reglas. Es una lucha en donde las pocas cosas Toutefois, peu sont ceux qui se rappellent le rôle que jugó la sindicación para que ese día pudiese con que las personas pueden contar -Seguridad joué par le mouvement syndical pour mener à bien cumplirse; particularmente el papel desempeñado Social, el Plan de Pensiones de Canadá, Medicare ce jour; particulièrement le rôle joué par A. Philip por A. Philip Randolph, el fundador de la y Medicaid- son llamadas “insostenibles”. Randolph, le fondateur de la fraternité des porteurs Hermandad de Maleteros de Coches Cama de wagons-dortoirs, qui défendait le mouvement de (Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters), quién ¿Y, según ellos, esto es una lucha que estamos droits civils bien avant que la plupart des américains defendió el movimiento de los derechos librando en contra de ellos? No, esto es una lucha ne sachent qu’il existait. civiles mucho antes de que la mayoría de los en la que estamos tratando de aferrarnos a lo que norteamericanos supieran que existían. nos queda. En réalité, Randolph fonda le mouvement « marcher sur Washington » le 25 janvier 1941, afin De hecho, el 25 de enero de 1941, Randolph d’exercer des pressions sur le président Roosevelt fundó el “Movimiento Marcha sobre Washington ¿LOS IMPUESTOS LIQUIDAN LOS EMPLEOS? pour l’amener à éliminer la discrimination raciale (“March on Washington Movement”), con el fin au sein des emplois gouvernementaux et dans de presionar al Presidente Roosevelt para que Esta es una lucha en dónde los legisladores l’industrie de la défense. Randolph annula la eliminara la discriminación racial en los puestos conservadores exigen a los trabajadores comunes démonstration de 1941 après que le président eût gubernamentales y en la industria de defensa. sacrificio tras sacrificio, pero se niegan incluso créé le comité pour les justes méthodes d’emploi, Randolph suspendió la demostración de 1941 a cerrar los resquicios de la ley tributaria para qui visait exactement le résultat souhaité. luego de que el presidente creara el Comité de los ricos. Según ellos, si se hace algo más, se Mais Randolph garda le mouvement vivant Prácticas Justas en el Empleo (FEPC) para hacer liquidarán los empleos. afin de maintenir la pression. Le 28 juillet 1948, precisamente eso. le président Truman abolit la ségrégation dans les Bueno, tengo una pregunta para ellos. Hemos Pero Randolph mantuvo el movimiento con forces armées en résultat des efforts inlassables de tenido estas tasas de impuestos rebajadas para vida para mantener la presión. El 28 de julio de Randolph. los ricos en EE.UU. desde el comienzo de la 1948, el Presidente Truman abolió la segregación administración de George W. Bush, ¿y qué hemos L’idée de ce qui devint « Marcher sur en las fuerzas armadas como resultado de los obtenido a cambio? Washington pour des emplois et pour la liberté » incesantes esfuerzos de Randolph. commença de nouveau à prendre de la vitesse ¿Por qué no se han recuperado esos empleos lorsque le mouvement de défense des droits civils La idea por la que se convirtió en la “Marcha desde la Gran Recesión? ¿Entonces por qué las attira plus d’attention. L’expérience de Randolph sobre Washington por los Empleos y la Libertad” personas que vuelven a trabajar deben aceptar en tant qu’organisateur syndical s’avéra d’un apport empezó a cobrar impulso nuevamente a medida empleos donde ganan menos? ¿Por qué en la inestimable pour la campagne de rassemblement que el movimiento por los derechos civiles última década se ha reducido considerablemente el à Washington D.C. d’une foule massive, bien comenzó a llamar más la atención. La experiencia cuidado de la salud, las pensiones, las vacaciones, que pacifique, d’américains blancs et noirs, afin de Randolph como organizador sindical demostró las licencias por enfermedad, las precauciones de de demander justice pour les afro-américains. ser invaluable en la tarea de conducir una multitud seguridad, el trato justo en el trabajo, etc.? Conjointement avec le leader du mouvement de masiva, aunque pacífica, de norteamericanos défense des droits civils, Bayard Rustin, Randolph blancos y de color hacia Washington DC, para En resumen, ¿por qué a las personas créa une plateforme pour le discours de Dr. King, buscar justicia para los afroamericanos. Randolph trabajadoras se les quita todo por lo que han dado un des discours les plus fameux dans l’histoire creó una plataforma, junto al líder de los derechos su vida desde hace 150 años? américaine. humanos Bayard Rustin, para que el Dr. King pronunciase uno de los discursos más famosos de La marche est devenue une pierre angulaire du la historia norteamericana. NO HAY MÁS OPCIÓN QUE LUCHAR mouvement de défense des droits civils. L’adoption de la loi sur les droits civils (la « Civil Rights Act ») La marcha se ha convertido en uno de los No nos queda ninguna otra opción más de 1964 est souvent attribuée au succès de la cimientos del movimiento por los derechos civiles. que luchar con todos los medios legales que Marche sur Washington. La promulgación de la trascendental Ley de los disponemos. Y finalmente debemos utilizar Derechos Civiles de 1964 a menudo se atribuye al nuestra arma más poderosa: la urna electoral. Il est bien de se rappeler que le mouvement des éxito de la Marcha sobre Washington. travailleurs a fait partie intégrante du mouvement Eso es todo. Es la manera más simple, pero a de défense des droits civils, particulièrement Es bueno recordar que el movimiento sindical su vez la más difícil de involucrar a las personas en maintenant que les syndicats sont assiégés. Si les ha sido una parte integral del movimiento por el proceso político en pro de sus propios intereses. législateurs « jouant à la dînette »peuvent révoquer los derechos civiles, especialmente ahora que los sindicatos son asediados. Si los legisladores Ninguno de nosotros puede darse el lujo de ser les droits des travailleurs, on peut se poser la question de savoir à qui les droits seront les suivants del Tea Party pueden quitar los derechos de los objetores de conciencia en esta lucha. Por favor à être révoqués? trabajadores, uno tiene que preguntarse, ¿con los únase a ATU y participe en esta campaña para derechos de quiénes van a seguir después? defender su sustento y sus derechos. L’histoire démontre que les victoires législatives importantes sont accomplies par des coalitions La historia muestra que las victorias legislativas de groupes de défense des droits des travailleurs, importantes se lograron mediante coaliciones de ¡JUNTOS PODEMOS LOGRARLO Y JUNTOS LO des droits civils et d’autres groupes. Notre succès agrupaciones sindicales, de derechos civiles y otros LOGRAREMOS! pour préserver les droits et avantages dont nous grupos. Nuestro éxito en defender los derechos avons hérités pourrait bien dépendre de notre y beneficios que hemos heredado depende de détermination à se tenir ensemble avec ceux qui nuestra determinación de enfrentarnos juntos Con solidaridad, voient qu’ils ont autant en jeu dans notre lutte que a aquellos que ven que tienen tanto en juego en Robert H. Baker nous dans la leur. nuestra batalla como nosotros en la de ellos.

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 27 Rapport du Congrès du Conseil Canadien Le Conseil élit ses nouveaux dirigeants intérimaires; il projette promouvoir le projet de loi anti-agression

Le Conseil Canadien de l’UTA a va s’accélérer. Les travailleurs des transports canadiens tenu son congrès annuel du 6 au 9 perdent le droit de grève le jour où une législature décide juillet, accueilli par la section locale que leur société représente un « service essentiel ». Il a 588 de Regina, SK. Les membres exhorté les amateurs de congrès à voter pour les candidats de Regina célébraient le centième qui partagent leurs idéologies pro-travailliste. anniversaire de la section, et ils ont été d’excellents hôtes pour la réunion. Hanley : « Nous devons faire participer Le congrès a commencé officieusement le 6 juillet, avec nos membres » des délégués travaillant sur les règlements administratifs du Conseil, sur la restructuration et l’avenir du Conseil, Le président international Larry Hanley a parlé et sur la manière dont le Conseil devrait s’adapter aux de la situation politique aux États-Unis où les droits changements politiques auxquels les travailleurs des des employés sont érodés par les hommes politiques transports en commun doivent faire face. Une table ronde ultraconservateurs qui tiennent les travailleurs pour a été tenue sur ces questions dans le but de formuler un responsables du désordre fiscal dans lequel nous nous plan pour l’avenir. trouvons.

Le congrès a commencé officiellement par des Hanley a affirmé que l’UTA doit changer sa culture. cérémonies d’ouverture le 7 juillet. Le président de la « Nous devons faire plus que juste négocier des contrats section 588, Mike Ehmann, a souhaité la bienvenue aux et formuler des griefs » dit-il. « Nous devons faire délégués et aux invités et a présenté le conseiller municipal participer nos membres. Nous devons mobiliser des de Regina, Fred Clipsham, qui a salué les participants au groupes dans différentes villes. Nous devons combattre nom du maire de la ville. les multinationales qui essayent de briser les syndicats et nous devons établir des rapports avec les syndicats Après quelques mots de bienvenue de la part de Kim d’autres pays pour arrêter les multinationales de détruire Onrait, directeur de la société des transports en commun nos droits. » de Regina, le président de la fédération des travailleurs de Saskatchewan, Larry Hubich, a parlé, prévoyant que La justice sociale est importante, a déclaré Hanley, et l’agression du « service essentiel » du gouvernement nous devons entrer en contact les uns avec les autres et fédéral sur les travailleurs des transports en commun travailler ensemble pour protéger la classe moyenne.

28 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 29 Notre collègue Hanley a informé le congrès que Le projet de loi anti-agression sera remis l’International va s’efforcer d’avoir une meilleure en discussion communication et d’utiliser les médias sociaux à l’avantage de l’UTA. Le député Brent Rathgeber, Edmonton/St. Albert, AB, s’est adressé aux congressistes. Le député a déposé Les sections locales peuvent faire beaucoup de choses (présenté) son premier projet de loi de membres privés pour faire passer le message à leurs membres et à la - C-637 - Une loi pour modifier le Code criminel communauté, a-t-il expliqué. L’Union aidera de toutes les (opérateurs de transport public) le 10 mars. façons possibles. La législation proposée, également connue sous le Le vice-président exécutif international, Bob Baker, a nom de projet de loi de Bregg, est nommée en l’honneur également parlé à l’assemblée. Il a précisé que le Canada est de Tom Bregg, un opérateur de transport public de la un pays solide avec de bons salaires et avantages sociaux, section 569 d’Edmonton, AB, qui a été brutalement et que nous méritons nos contrats. L’UTA fixe la norme attaqué en décembre 2009 quand il était de service. dans ce pays, a-t-il dit. Notre collègue Baker a également déclaré que l’International est dévoué au Canada et va Malheureusement, le projet de loi est mort au nous aider à construire notre futur ensemble. Feuilleton quand le parlement a été dissous pour une élection ce printemps. Cependant, Rathgeber va remettre en discussion le projet de loi et consacrer tout son temps et ses efforts pour s’assurer que le projet de loi de Bregg Résultats des élections devienne la loi de Bregg.

DIRECTEUR CANADIEN: Bernie Morton, lobbyiste de l’UTA et vice-président Stan Dera - élu du groupe de stratégie , a expliqué ce qui avait été obtenu sur le projet de loi de Bregg jusqu’à présent, et ce qui doit VICE-PRÉSIDENT: être fait quand le parlement reprendra en automne. Felix Gendron, section 591, Hull, QC : élu Bregg, qui a assisté au congrès en tant qu’invité du Conseil, a travaillé à la campagne législative pour s’assurer SECRÉTAIRE DU CONSEIL: que ce qui lui est arrivé n’arrive à personne d’autre. Jeannie Garbett, section 508, Halifax, NS : élue Le directeur canadien Stan Dera a applaudi le courage MEMBRE EXÉCUTIF DU CONSEIL – EST N° 1 de Bregg et l’a remercié pour son aide et pour avoir prêté Budh Dhillon, section 107, Hamilton, ON : élu son nom à la législation.

MEMBRE EXÉCUTIF DU CONSEIL - EST N° 2 Ian Laird, section 1415, Toronto, ON : acclamé

MEMBRE SUPPLÉANT DU CONSEIL - EST N° 1 Andrew Cleary, section 1189, Guelph : acclamé

MEMBRE SUPPLÉANT DU CONSEIL - EST N° 2 Gino Paolino, section 279, Ottawa, ON : acclamé

MEMBRE SUPPLÉANT DU CONSEIL - OUEST N° 2 Tim Johnston, section 1724, Vancouver, BC : élu

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 29 In Memoriam Death Benefits Awarded May 1, 2011 - June 30, 2011

1- MEMBERS AT LARGE MARY R HALL RICHARD J BURCHILL JR NOBLE D HERBST MORRIS SENDER KENNETH E BOSACKER THOMAS A HALL JOSEPH M BURKE HERIBERTO VEGA HOWARD BURRESS JAMES N HARRIS PATRICK J CALLAGHAN 819- NEWARK, NJ JENNIE ZITZ THOMAS F JOHNSON RICHARD J CESAREO OSCAR JONES JR 19- COLORADO SPRINGS, CO ULYSSES JONES JOHN A HANEFFANT SIMON LEGGETT 1197- JACKSONVILLE, FL ROBERT L MATHIS ROCCO J LABON THOMAS E JOYCE MARION MYERS ALFONZA LUCIOUS MARINO MAGNO 822- PATERSON, NJ 26- DETROIT, MI GRATEN D MC FADYEN PHILIP V MINGOLELLI LINDA L CHARITY 1220- RICHMOND, VA DELINA VASQUEZ HECTOR MERCADO JAMES E MURRAY ROBERT SUDOL HENRY E HALEY RANDOLPH G ROBINSON PAUL B O’CONNOR IRA LEE MATHEWS 85- PITTSBURGH, PA ANTHONY A ZAZZARA LINDA A RICCI 824- NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ ROBERT K CARR CHARLES J SHEA GIRARD A FISHER 1229- ST JOHN, NB THEODORE HARAME 256- SACRAMENTO, CA THOMAS L SULLIVAN JEAN PFEIFFER GRANT R TODD WALTER G HICE JR JOHN T MILLER BRUCE E SWEETSER ROBERT J KATCHMAR PERCY SANDERS JR JOHN W TIESO 825- ORADELL, NJ 1249- SPRINGFIELD, IL SALVATORE F MAGNELLI FRED UMLOR WILLIAM F LUCAS MICHAEL L COLLINS SR BRIAN M MC HALE JANIS WEINRUB 618- PROVIDENCE, RI PETER SANTORO LAWRENCE L SAVAGE RODNEY ALLEN WEIST ERNEST A BOULEY 1277- LOS ANGELES, CA RONALD E THEVENIN 842- WILMINGTON, DE RICHARD L FREEMAN 265- SAN JOSE, CA 689- WASHINGTON, DC MARY A WORDSWORTH ROBERTO A GUTIERREZ 89- NEW CASTLE, PA LEO C CADOTTE HENRY E COGDELL CHRISTOPHER HARRIS JAMES E HAMILTON IDA RODRIGUEZ GEORGE M ERNST 880- CAMDEN, NJ WILLIAM E PRYOR RONALD A SAMFELD ALFRED L JOHNSON ROBERT KILLE HENRY LEE RHODES 103- WHEELING, WV SAMUEL L JONES JOHN OEHLERT JOHN L SHEETS 268- CLEVELAND, OH EARL C MARTIN 1321- ALBANY & TROY, NY WILLA M ROBERTS RALPH J MC DANIEL JR 993- OKLAHOMA CITY, OK KATHLEEN S SCHULTZ 107- HAMILTON, ON RUSSELL M SLAUGHTER JERALYN M BENNETT ELIZABETH L LEGGETT 279- OTTAWA, ON JOSEPH DAYE TAYLOR GEORGE W NOKES 1342- BUFFALO, NY STEVEN M WALSH MIKE C DERRICK JESSE WALKER GEORGE BARTHA JAMES G LADAS KEVIN C WHITLEY 996- SOUTH BEND, IN GWENDOLYN LEWIS 113- TORONTO, ON MAURICE LECLERC LEROY CHAMBLISS TRAYKO ANTIC MICHEL E LECLERC 694- SAN ANTONIO, TX 1395- PENSACOLA, FL DANNY CALIA JULIAN G ALEJOS 998- MILWAUKEE, WI SHELDON BARFIELD EUGENE S CHEVERIE 281- NEW HAVEN, CT FERNANDO P ZUNIGA KENNETH E KLEMSTEIN BRIAN CHURM CRUZ SANTIAGO EDMUND E LITKOWIEC 1415- TORONTO, ON SHEILA COOK 704- LITTLE ROCK, AR ELROY C MENGERT DOMENICO DELGRECO RUSSELL COTTENDEN 308- CHICAGO, IL DEBORAH J WILKERSON PATRICK J CURRAN NELSON ANDERSON 1001- DENVER, CO 1447- LOUISVILLE, KY PHILIP CHARLES DAVIS CURTIS BAUGH 713- MEMPHIS, TN PHIL O DURAN DELBERT A WILSON GIOVANNI FALCITELLI JOHN L DANIELS FREDDIE Z CLEVELAND ROBERT LEE LONES BARRY GLADISH LAWRENCE DIXON J D MORGAN 1464- TAMPA, FL RONALD HEATHFIELD MARIO MECCIA JACK F PETTIT 1005- MINNEAPOLIS JOHN KENNY MALCOLM HENNON RESIDEE SANDERS BILLY RHINES & ST. PAUL, MN WILFRED J HOAG AUSTUS L SCOTT FLOYD C ANDERSON 1505- WINNIPEG, MB THOMAS A KAVANAUGH 725- BIRMINGHAM, AL KENNETH R BROOKS ARTHUR WIEBE THOMAS BRUCE KEMP 313- ROCK ISLAND, IL J C WRIGHT JOHN L PARENT NORMAN V LUCK CLAYTON J THORNTON 1572- MISSISSAUGA, ON JOHN EDWARD MC GREGOR 732- ATLANTA, GA 1070- INDIANAPOLIS, IN ALAN R HOPPER JAMES R PARKINSON 398- BOISE, ID RONENE ANDREWS JOHN ECKELS BRUNO PISANI JERRI LYNNE WEBB DORIS J BURKS 1574- SAN MATEO, CA GIUSEPPE ROMASCO J H DAVIS 1145- BINGHAMTON, NY STEVE DIMMER JR JOHN RUSSELL 416- PEORIA, IL TYRONNE ROCHON FRANCES D WHEELER FRED W STOCK EDDY A SMITH 1575- SAN RAFAEL, CA THOMAS J STOODLEY 741- LONDON, ON 1177- NORFOLK, VA THOMAS G WHITE JAMES SWAILES 425- HARTFORD, CT JOSEPH F BARATTA THURSTON WALDO EATMON JOHN JAMES VALK WILLIAM C DAVIS RONNIE CHARLES GILLET ELSTON HINES 1700- CHICAGO, IL KENNETH R WIEDERHOLD RICHARD ROSS MARTIN ARTHUR T PERSON E WILLIAM CONSALVI ROBERT J WILSON 583- CALGARY, AB DOUGLAS C WISEMAN GREGORY RANKIN MARVIN GRAY EYLER JOHN EDWARD YOUNG SOCRATES SALAZAR EMILIO ROSADO CLIFFORD FREDERICK KAREN A SUDDARD 757- PORTLAND, OR JOE F WOOTEN 192- OAKLAND, CA EDWARD CARL BECKER 1179- NEW YORK, NY PHYLLIS C FEHR 587- SEATTLE, WA TOMMIE L BOYD DOMINICK CARECCIA HUEY L HAMPTON BOBBIE CUNNINGHAM VICTOR M KUSS VICTOR H RUVOLO JAMES O HUPPERT RONALD R GIBSON LOIS EDITH WILSON VERNIA DENICE JAMES DOUGLAS V KING 1181- NEW YORK, NY EDWARD H JOHNSON KULDEEP K MAHIL 779- SIOUX CITY, IA JOSEPH E AGOSTA RONALD E KRAMLICH JOEL L MATAUTIA ARTHUR S HILL CHARLES L BYRD VINCENZO COLLETTI 241- CHICAGO, IL 589- BOSTON, MA 788- ST. LOUIS, MO ROCCO S GIANATIEMPO JOSEPH T CATALANO GEORGE P ADAMS SYLVESTER DENNIS DANIEL J O’KEEFE

30 July/August 2011 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 31 In Memoriam 100 YEARS AGO IN THE MOTORMAN & CONDUCTOR Death Benefits Awarded May 1, 2011 - June 30, 2011

The June 1912 Motorman and Conductor published this picture of a plaque commemorating the organizing of Local 569-Edmonton, AB on August 22, 1911. The distinguished gentleman at center is A.H. Elliott, the first president of the local. International President Larry Hanley presented a copy of this plaque to Local 569 in August to commemorate the local’s 100th anniversary. Today the Edmonton local is lead by Local President Stuart Litwinowich.

IN TRANSIT | July/August 2011 31 Amalgamated Transit Union AFL-CIO/CLC 5025 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20016 www.atu.org

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