OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION|AFL-CIO/CLC
MARCH - JUNE 2019
LawrenceIn Loving MemoryJ. Hanley j 1956 – 2019 J Amalgamated Transit Union International President
“Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.” – Mary G. Harris “Mother” Jones (1837-1930) INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS JOHN A. COSTA International President JAVIER M. PEREZ, JR. International Executive Vice President NEWSBRIEFS OSCAR OWENS International Secretary-Treasurer Kingston, ON, setting example for how to increase transit ridership INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS In just five years, Kingston, ON, has seen transit ridership jump 80 percent thanks to a series of innovative initiatives focused on free RICHARD M. MURPHY Newburyport, MA – [email protected] and reduced fares and improving service. It began in 2013 with JANIS M. BORCHARDT offering grade nine students free transit passes and educating Madison, WI – [email protected] them on how to safely use the bus. To attract more riders and PAUL BOWEN commuters, Kingston Transit offers multiple options and discounts Canton, MI – [email protected] for monthly and weekly passes. In addition, a “transit employment KENNETH R. KIRK Lancaster, TX – [email protected] program” gives newly-hired eligible workers — full-time or part- MARCELLUS BARNES time — a free two-month bus pass. In addition, the agency offers half-price monthly passes Flossmore, IL – [email protected] for low-income riders. At the heart of Kingston’s success is a commitment by their city council RAY RIVERA to offer significantly more financial support to transit. Only a third of the funding comes from Lilburn, GA – [email protected] fare collections, which means lower fares and fewer fare hikes. YVETTE TRUJILLO Thornton, CO – [email protected] GARY JOHNSON, SR. Cleveland, OH – [email protected] Tips to stay safe in the summer heat ROBIN WEST Halifax, NS – [email protected] As we enter the summer months many of our members will face CHUCK WATSON dangerously hot and humid conditions on the job. In order to ensure Syracuse, NY – [email protected] your health and safety make sure to check out the ATU safety BRUCE HAMILTON bulletin on Heat Stress Safety for tips on how to be prepared to New York, NY – [email protected] deal with the summer heat and humidity. This bulletin can be found MICHELLE SOMMERS Brooklyn Park, MN – [email protected] on the ATU website (www.atu.org) under the Member Resources JAMES LINDSAY page. The bulletin is available in English, Spanish, and French. Santa Clarita, CA – [email protected] So please download it and share it with your brothers and sisters EMANUELE (MANNY) SFORZA at your Local to ensure their safety on the job this summer. Toronto, ON – [email protected] JOHN CALLAHAN Winnipeg, MB – [email protected] CURTIS HOWARD Note to readers of In Transit Atlanta, GA – [email protected] ATU International had been putting the final touches on the March/April edition of the In Transit NATALIE CRUZ Lorain, OH – [email protected] when International President Larry Hanley tragically and unexpectedly passed away. To honor ANTHONY GARLAND his memory and the change in ATU leadership, the International had to delay the production Washington, DC – [email protected] and publication. In turn, this edition will be the March-June edition of the In Transit. The next edition will be the July/August edition. INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES DENNIS ANTONELLIS Spokane, WA – [email protected] STEPHAN MACDOUGALL INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS EMERITUS Boston, MA – [email protected] ANTONETTE BRYANT International President Jim La Sala, ret. Oakland, CA – [email protected] International President Warren George, ret. SESIL RUBAIN New Carrollton, MD – [email protected] International Executive Vice President Ellis Franklin, ret. MIKE HARMS International Executive Vice President Mike Siano, ret. Pittsburgh, PA – [email protected]
MARILYN WILLIAMS Subscription: USA and Canada, $5 a year. Single copy: 50 cents. All others: $10 a year. Published bimonthly by the St. Louis, MO – [email protected] Amalgamated Transit Union, Editor: David Roscow, Designer: Paul A. Fitzgerald. Editorial Office: 10000 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903. Tel: 1-301-431-7100 . Please send all requests for address changes to the ATU Registry Dept. ISSN: 0019-3291. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40033361. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ATU CANADA CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: APC Postal Logistics, LLC, PO Box 503, RPO, West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill ON L4B 4R6. JOHN DI NINO Maple, ON – [email protected] IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 3 MAR-JUN 2019 CONTENT Vol. 128, No. 2-3
16 International to memorialize deceased Local officers at Convention 17 Corporate welfare’s gonna get your bus ride! 18 Save the Date: 30th Annual ATU International Latino Caucus Conference 19 Just cause and employee discipline - No employee shall be disciplined without “just cause” 22 A lesson on Medicare for all - ATU MEMBERS PRESSING THE FEDERAL 4 A lesson on compassion 23 In the U.S. Capital, only wealthy can afford GOVERNMENT FOR DEDICATED OPERATIONAL FUNDING to live near Metro stations 24 NYC school bus Local threatens strike Renewed push for Jake Schwab Worker Safety Bill 25 Proposed Amendments to the ATU Constitution and General Laws Submitted to the Int. Union for Consideration by The 59th ATU International Convention per Section 6.16 of the ATU Constitution and General Laws 27 Martha’s Vineyard bus drivers on strike 9 28 ATU COPE - Getting political just got a ATU MOURNS PASSING OF INTERNATIONAL whole lot easier PRESIDENT LARRY HANLEY SAVE THE DATE: ATU/MS Research Funds - 2 International Officers & 34th Annual Golf Tournament General Executive Board 29 Translations (Spanish) News Briefs 31 In Memoriam 32 Save the Date: The 59th International Convention 3 Index page 6 Member and Local survey: Privatization, safety, and lack of funding highlight key concerns 8 Hero Mississauga bus driver to be honored STAY CONNECTED 10 International President’s Message: For the latest ATU News and Action Alerts please A resounding call to arms check out the ATU’s social media network 11 Anthony Garland appointed ATU International Vice President facebook.com/ATUInternational 12 International Executive Vice President’s twitter.com/ATUComm Message: People have to know you care youtube.com/user/stpatuorg before they care if you know 13 International Secretary-Treasurer’s Message: flickr.com/photos/atuinternational/ How can we honor the memory of Larry Hanley? 14 Ontario workers are getting routed by the Doug Ford government
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 3 ATU Members Pressing the Federal Government for Dedicated Operational Funding
Since November 2018, operators and maintenance workers What does a national transit have been putting pressure on the federal government strategy look like? to implement a national transit strategy. Key allies in the NDP and Liberal parties have shown their support, and a A national transit strategy starts from the premise that lobby day and follow-up pressure by members has opened mobility is a human right, and public transit is the key up a dialogue with key decision-makers. to universal mobility. But it doesn’t end there. Public transit is the most sustainable form of transportation But the road to a national transit strategy is long, and it and therefore ought to be central to addressing the will not be an easy road. climate crisis. A national transit strategy is also part of the federal government’s duty to indigenous people and It will involve all ATU members getting involved and therefore essential to reconciliation. engaged through a combination of lobbying, voting, rallying, educating, organizing riders and taking direct action. Based on these truths, there are three dimensions to a We must identify the challenges that stand in our way and national transit strategy. First, we demand and expect where our natural base of power is as transit workers. dedicated operational funding to pay for public transit service. Currently, the federal government will pay or match Winning a national transit strategy will mean overcoming funds for infrastructure. But what good is a brand new the divisive issues that right-wing populists are using to station in a developing part of a city or province if there isn’t divide workers and keep the balance of power tilted in favor money to actually operate the vehicle? of the bosses and their power base—namely big industry, the fossil fuel lobby, airlines, and car manufacturers. Operational funding is also the avenue through which
4 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 5 we as transit workers are compensated. This is where the women from serial predation. Safer travel options to struggle to improve mobility and working conditions connect northern, indigenous, and Metis communities will for bus operators intersect. This relationship needs to be literally save lives. made explicit to the public, because under the current conditions of austerity and right-wing populism, working Third, a national transit strategy will bring justice on the conditions in the public sector are in the crosshairs. An job for transit workers in Canada. Today, operators and attack on transit workers is by its very nature an attack maintenance workers face a number of issues on the job, on everyone. from understaffing and recruitment and retention problems to unfair scheduling, inadequate washroom breaks, and Second, a national transit strategy will incorporate the assaults. These problems cannot be fixed within the current fact that transit operations and maintenance work are fiscal frameworks of Canadian municipalities. Most cities are ‘green jobs’ and critical for a successful transition to a in the worst financial shape since the Great Depression. carbonless economy. In the U.S., Rep. Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez (D-NY) and her Green New Deal Legislation have already incorporated this second point. Building a Plan to Win! Third, a national transit strategy will affirm the Federal If we want to get the federal government to invest in government’s duty to set transit targets and increase public transit operations, it will require good old-fashioned ridership. Governments once set quota and targets for auto organizing. This means analyzing who exactly we are up production in Canada through the ‘auto pact.’ Even today, against and identifying which challenges we face internally. the Trudeau government puts $4.5 billion into oil pipeline Then making a credible plan to educate ourselves about how operations. So, why can’t them make the same guarantees public transit can contribute to solving the climate crisis and and rules when it comes to investing in riders? bring justice to transit workers.
It all starts with us, front-line ATU members, who know the challenges our transit systems face through our Why should I care? experiences on the job. A national transit strategy has never been more of a necessity than it is today. There are three urgent reasons Once we are primed and ready, it will be critical to engage that the Canadian government needs to step up. and educate our riders and the public about the need for a national transit strategy. As International President First, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Larry Hanley has said “for every one transit worker, the Fourth National Climate Assessment report of 2018 there are 100 transit riders.” have given humanity a hard deadline—the year 2030— to transition to a carbon-less economy, or we face rising Once workers and riders are on the same page, we’ll turn temperatures, wildfires, droughts, extreme weather events, our attention to winning at the ballot box and defeating and economic decline. right-wing, anti-transit elected officials. This doesn’t just mean endorsing and supporting the usual candidates ATU members can be the leaders in a Green New Deal and parties but using our political power to recruit and for Canada by organizing for the expansion of unionized run pro-transit, pro-worker candidates in primaries and jobs in the public transportation sector, demanding nomination races. dedicated operational funding, and pushing for national transit growth targets. As the largest union of transit ATU members must recognize what’s at stake, the workers in Canada, ATU is the natural and emerging opportunity we have, and the power we can harness if leader in this fight. we commit to a national transit strategy. Our deadline is 2030 and—as good organizers frequently say—no one Second, a national transit strategy is fundamental to will save us, but us. v genuine reconciliation with indigenous people of this land. Redress for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis and the legacy of residential schools has identified public transit as a key avenue for protecting vulnerable
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 5 ATU Canada recently surveyed both our rank-and-file insufficient manpower for local transit systems and over- members and Local elected leaders to better understand the-road transportation. This leads to poor routing, irregular what issues and concerns matter most to transit workers. scheduling, rushed breaks or inaccessible washrooms, and unrealistic runtimes. One Local President quantified this by Overall, there were some common areas of concern: safety, stating, “We’re having runs cancelled on an almost weekly privatization, washroom breaks, and transit funding. But basis.” The shortage isn’t isolated to operators, as many also our findings also reflected the diversity of our membership reported a serious and alarming shortage in maintenance. and the jobs we do. Another deeply-felt concern is “private, for-profit” contracting out of our jobs and piecemeal privatization of public transit systems. In some Locals, these so-called Leadership survey “workforce adjustments” are the result of new transit projects, such as light rail or LRT systems. Local Union ATU Canada President John Di Nino worked with Local leaders reported that provincial governments are constantly Executive Boards and Local Presidents to identify concerns looking for “a creative way of contracting out our work,” shared by Local Union leadership across the country. such as automation. The leadership survey results underscore the necessity for a national transit strategy, one that forcefully demands Safety was an overwhelming concern expressed across dedicated operational funding. the board. Some workplace health and safety issues are not addressed by legislation, including mandatory The most deeply-felt issue reported is a lack of operational decompression breaks for operators, bus shields, driver funding. While transit infrastructure projects are often fatigue, and unsafe working conditions for maintenance backed in large part by federal funding, the government does not support the daily operations and maintenance staff. Transit agencies are often unwilling to take the budgets that keep transit systems running day-to-day. necessary steps to redesign workstations in ways that reduce risk, such as blind spot reduction or proper shop Inadequate funding manifests in a myriad of ways, including ventilation.
6 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 7 Rank-and-File issues also surveyed women on some gender-specific issues. While women shared similar concerns with men who The concerns of front-line workers were consistent with responded - threats to physical safety and access to those expressed by Local leadership. Front-line and toilets - but, the lack of washroom breaks was especially maintenance staff are frustrated about a variety of injustices harmful to women. From limited access to menstrual in the workplace. The top concern is a lack of respect by products to employer inattentiveness to the challenges management and feeling mistreated and ill-equipped to of pregnancy and menopause, a lack of washroom do their best work for their riders. As one member access acutely affects our union sisters. Moreover, pointed out: “trim some of the fat off the top; less women felt their workplace culture is made toxic by supervisors and more skilled trades.” serious sexual and gender-based harassment, a lack of Operators often cited low morale due to unreasonable representation by women in the industry and in the expectations and demands from employers, job union, as well as structural biases, such as exclusively insecurity, verbal and physical abuse from passengers, male-sized uniforms and discrimination based on poor communication, lack of education and training, perceptions of women’s abilities. and generally just feeling “unvalued at work.” Rank- All rank-and-file results were compiled through one-on- and-file members also expressed frustration on behalf one conversations with rank-and-file members, along of riders. Like our riders, workers want improved service with surveys distributed to members at various union availability and frequency, more service for people with events, such as shop steward training. disabilities, more venues for rider input, access to low- income passes, and a less-politicized transit decision- With these results in hand, ATU Canada will focus their making processes. efforts on addressing these key issues and will continue to listen to their members to improve working conditions for all. v Specific Concerns Expressed by Women Recognizing that the workplace experience can be vastly different for men and women, ATU Canada
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IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 7 Hero Mississauga bus driver honored
MiWay transit bus driver Ben Elliott was just returning from parental leave when the training department assigned him an early morning route on February 9, 2018.
Elliott figured it would be a typical and quiet day. Boy, was he wrong! The 10-year veteran member of Local 1572-Mississauga, ON, was driving at 5:37 am when a rider ran to the front of the bus to tell him another man was having a medical issue in the back.
Elliott immediately stopped his bus and ran to the back. He found a man in serious distress, unable to speak, with his hands tightly clutching his chest. Elliott and the other passenger moved the man to the floor and called 911.
Then the man stopped making any sounds. Elliott told the 911 dispatcher to get an emergency crew to his location as soon as possible. That’s when the dispatcher told him he’d have to perform CPR.
“It was very traumatic. It was a bad situation for sure and very shortly after it got actually a lot worse,” said Elliott, who had CPR training over 20 years ago as a teenager. “The dispatcher was absolutely phenomenal. She said everything I needed to hear to help calm me down and get me [to do] what I needed to do.”
Firefighters arrived within five minutes and continued performing CPR. The man recovered in the hospital.
For his brave and quick action to save the man’s life, Elliott received the 2019 Community Hero Award.
“I was definitely shocked,” said Elliott, when he found out about the award. “I had no idea.”
ATU salutes Elliott for going above the call of duty. v
8 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 25 ATU MOURNS PASSING OF INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT LARRY HANLEY
The Amalgamated Transit Union and the entire labor worker-rider organizing, leading thousands of union movement lost a trailblazing leader and working class members and transit riders in a successful effort to reform champion on May 7, 2019, when Lawrence J. “Larry” the way transit service was provided on Staten Island. He Hanley, International President, passed away. ran the Staten Island operation of David Dinkins’ successful campaign for mayor of New York and helped found New Under Hanley’s leadership, the ATU was transformed into York’s Working Families Party. one of the fiercest and most progressive unions in the labor movement, aggressively advocating for more and better In 2002, Hanley rose to become an ATU International Vice public transportation and fighting for social, racial, and President before being elected as a reformer to the office of economic justice for all working people. International President in 2010. As International President, Hanley restructured the ATU to better fight back against Hanley devoted more than 40 years of his life to the ATU rising privatization of public transit and to protect the and the broader labor movement. He was a tireless and livelihoods of transit workers. tenacious advocate for his members, transit riders, and all trade unionists. One of the many hallmarks of Hanley’s storied career was recognizing the power and strength that can be achieved Hanley began driving a bus in 1978, at age 21, in Brooklyn, in uniting transit workers and riders in the fight for better NY, and attended his first union meeting that September public transportation. He also firmly believed that an as a member of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). educated member was a powerful one and made it his In 1979, he transferred to Staten Island and became a mission to develop one of the most far-reaching training member of ATU Local 726-Staten Island, NY. On his programs in the history of organized labor. Because of his first strike, he was renowned for walking the picket line efforts and commitment, thousands of ATU members every day and night. have been trained and inspired to fight for justice in their He became a shop steward, helped lead a takeover of his communities. borough’s Democratic party machine, and was elected as the Hanley is survived by his wife Thelma, his daughter Monica, youngest president of Local 726. In that role, he pioneered and his son Lawrence, Jr. v
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 9 JOHN A. COSTA, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
A resounding call to arms
Our union is confronting a very difficult and sad time of labor rights. No longer should we let a global race- in its history. to-the-bottom drag our members and our riders into poverty and immobility. ATU International President Larry Hanley – a once- in-a-lifetime, transformational, trailblazing leader who We must take Larry’s passion and programs and transform brought our union to new heights – tragically and them into a way of life for our Local Unions and tangible unexpectedly passed away in May. victories for our members and allies. No longer should we settle for aspiration without concrete action. Two weeks later, our Local 1593-Tampa, FL, brother Thomas Dunn was stabbed to death on the job, the We must build deeper, more sustainable alliances with latest brutal attack in an epidemic of assaults on transit our fellow trade unions, our riders, and community workers. organizations to advance and win more, better, safer, and more affordable public transit. No longer should we Days later, a 10-year-old boy riding a bicycle was tragically settle for coalitions that exist only on paper. killed in another preventable crash when a NJ Transit bus with a massive built-in blind spot was turning left We must confront the advent of autonomous vehicles in a crosswalk. and its consequences head on. No longer will we let technology-owners be the ones to dictate who the No words can express our sense of grief and sadness over winners and losers are from these inevitable changes. these tragic deaths. We must demand legislative, regulatory, and workplace But as I assume the office of ATU International President action to stop the senseless epidemic of attacks on transit and bear witness to the international solidarity practiced workers. No longer should we settle for vehicles that by members in these trying times, I am more confident leave us exposed to violence and pedestrians to danger, than ever that our members and our union are determined that are designed to save pennies but cost lives. to honor Larry’s legacy and fight like hell to make our streets safer for everyone who shares them. Our agenda is big; it is bold. We can start enacting it by turning these recent tragedies into a watershed moment We must put the industry and our employers on notice. in our fight to improve safety for our members and the No longer should we settle for wages that don’t feed riding public in both the U.S. and Canada. our families, for benefits we can’t afford to use, for working conditions that leave us wondering if we’ll In fact, we already have a plan to do just that. In the return home at night. U.S., the already-drafted Transit Worker and Pedestrian Protection Act (S. 436 / H.R. 1139) will ensure major, We must let it be known to the political establishment critical safety changes in all transit systems. in the U.S. and Canada – especially U.S. President Donald Trump, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and the This legislation would require all transit agencies to corporate titans who back them – that we will not accept create risk-reduction plans and install physical barriers the privatization of our public resources or elimination to protect drivers. It would also require U.S. transit
10 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 11 agencies to report on a wider range of incidents. It while leaning hard on local agencies to take action also calls on U.S. transit agencies to collaborate with such as in Edmonton, AB, where all buses will have workers to swiftly address dangerous bus driver blind operator shields. spot problems. I’ve been a member of ATU for 38 years and know that While the bill is gaining momentum on Capitol Hill, with our union and members are progressive, aggressive, more than 148 members of Congress co-sponsoring the and impressive. We can seize this moment of collective bill (as of press time), we need more support, especially sorrow and use it to launch an unprecedented wave of from Republicans. The only way members of Congress will collective action. support a bill is if they hear from their constituents. And I know our members from Pensacola, FL, to Port That’s why we need all of our members to contact their Alberni, BC, from San Diego, CA, to St. John’s, NL, Members of Congress and tell them to support this critical and everywhere in between, will renew our campaign legislation now. To find out how to contact your Members for social, racial and economic justice for all. Because of Congress, just visit https://bit.ly/protecttransitworkers. Together We Fight! v It’s easy and will only take a few minutes of your time.
In Canada, we are working with ATU Canada and our Canadian Locals on similar protections and legislation
Anthony Garland appointed ATU International Vice President
Born in Danville, VA, Garland began his career at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in 1983 as a bus operator, joining Local 689-Washington, DC. Wanting to get more involved with the Local, he became a shop steward in 2001 and served on the Local’s Executive Board, fighting to improve working conditions and the rights of his fellow workers. He served as the Local’s Recording Secretary from 2006 to 2012. Garland also served as chair of the ATU CAN- AM from 2010-2012.
International Representative Anthony Garland was During his time as an International Representative, Garland appointed by International President John Costa and has assisted many ATU Locals in organizing, mobilizing approved by the ATU General Executive Board, as an riders and community activists, and other activities. He International Vice President. Garland had been serving as also served as Trustee for Local 1764-Washington, DC, an International Representative when he was appointed and successfully negotiated strong contracts for many by the late International President Larry Hanley in ATU Locals. v September 2012.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 11 JAVIER PEREZ, JR., INTERNATIONAL EXEC. VICE PRESIDENT
People have to know you care before they care if you know
The ATU has been mourning the sudden and untimely value of hard work and appreciated the wage and benefits death of International President Larry Hanley. I had the the Local fought for over the years. great honor and privilege to serve with Larry as an executive One day, while serving as president of the Local, I received officer. Larry was a one-of-a-kind visionary leader. I got a call from a maintenance steward. “Perez, you need to get to know Larry personally over the years, and anyone who down here now,” he said. “Cal’s upset about something, knew him knew he loved to tell stories and also loved a refuses to discuss it with management without a Union good joke, especially one with an important message. rep.” This was out of character for Cal, I ended my meeting So this joke is for Larry. A nine-year-old boy, asked his and went to the property. The supervisor (I’ll call him Ed) father, “Daddy what is politics?” “Wow! That’s an important said Cal wouldn’t talk. question,” the father thought to himself, “I have to think for a minute to provide an appropriate answer.” he told himself. I found Cal and asked him, “what was going on?” Cal pulled out his paycheck. It was obvious that he had been The father said, “let me put it this way. I have to provide shorted pay. Cal and I went into Ed’s office and showed for you. I am the capitalist, you are the people. Your mother him the shortage. Ed looked at it and asked, “Cal, why keeps the money, she is the government. The babysitter is the didn’t you just tell me?” Cal says, “you’re management, working class and your baby brother is the future. Do you you screw me. I’m Union, (pointing at me) he can fix it,” understand?” Well, the boy says, “I think so.” and stormed out. Cal received an emergency check for the The boy went to bed, and then awoke and heard his entire deficiency before quitting time. Cal understood the baby brother crying. He went and peeped in the room value of being Union. and saw the baby’s is diaper was a mess. So he tried to Today, our members don’t come to Union meetings, and communicate with his mother. But he saw that mommy it’s hard to get them to rallies. Many members today have was sound asleep, and decided not to disturb her. different life experiences than Cal. We can lament the He went to the babysitter’s room, and saw that dad was lack of substantive discussion of labor unions and working having an affair with her. He decided not to disturb people in our schools. them, either. So, he went back to bed. Bottom line, people have to know you care before they care In the morning, while they are having breakfast, the boy if you know. said, “Dad, I think I know what politics is.” The dad said, “Son, tell me in your own way what politics is.” One task for all of us, and for Local leaders on the front line, is to constantly engage our members where they The boy said, “Well, it something like this. While the work – something Larry preached. We must show them government is asleep the capitalist screws the working class. that we care about their safety, their accessibility to The people are ignored, while the future is in deep shit.” clean bathrooms, that we are engaged in and leading the discussion on current and future issues. We must let them A Cal Blevins Moment. know we care about giving comfort to our members and their families who may be ill or hurting. Our International 1287 Cal Blevins was a mechanic at my home Local, . Cal is providing the tools to accomplish this. was a hard worker, a quiet guy who never missed work, never said much, but was always listening and supportive While we mourn Larry’s passing and the on-duty murders of of our Union. Cal grew up in a rural area and learned how a Canadian brother and, more recently, a Tampa operator, to repair vehicles at an early age. He learned early in life the let’s remember to “Fight Like Hell for the Living.” v
12 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 13 OSCAR OWENS, INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER
How can we honor the memory of Larry Hanley?
I have had the distinct honor and privilege to serve as To Larry, our members standing in solidarity with their ATU’s International Secretary-Treasurer with International brothers and sisters in other Locals, the labor movement, President Larry Hanley since he took office in 2010. It was a and all working people, showed what a powerful force we great and tragic loss for ATU and the entire labor movement can be. when he unexpectedly passed away on May 7, 2019. And that unity is more important than ever before. Larry was a tireless and visionary leader who shaped the ATU into one of the most innovative unions in the Why? labor movement. The welfare and future of our members Right-wing, anti-worker, anti-union forces will stop at always came first for Larry, but a close second was nothing to crush workers and their families. standing in solidarity in the fight for rights and justice for all working people. In the U.S., big banks, Wall Street, the billionaire Koch brothers, and their wealthy buddies are rigging federal Larry beamed with pride when talking about how Locals politics to benefit their bottom line while leaving working mobilized their members in fights for strong contracts, people suffering in their wake. bathroom breaks, bus driver shields, more transit funding, and other critical issues for our members. In Canada, Ford’s Ontario government is attempting to gut worker protections, push an anti-environmental agenda, You know what made him even prouder? privatize public transit and healthcare, take away free Our members showing solidarity with our brothers and education, and pass other anti-worker initiatives. sisters on Martha’s Vineyard in their fight for a first contract, So the best way you can honor the memory of Larry is to get despite four years of company delay. From Local 1181- involved with your Local. New York, NY, to Local 987-Lethbridge, AB, to Local 1145-Binghamton, NY, to Local 741-London, ON, our Maybe it’s attending union meetings, or learning new skills members have shown support by posting photos on social by taking an ATU training, or organizing a leafleting action media with signs reading, “We Support Vineyard Drivers.” to educate our riders and the public, or attending a labor rally, or helping to mobilize your fellow members. Our members of Local 1722 in Kelowna, BC, raising money through their pink shirt campaign to go to the Okanagan It’s about the future of the ATU, the labor movement, and Boys and Girls Club’s kindness and anti-bullying programs. our families, and what Larry would want us to do! v
Our members across New England joining the Stop and Shop picket lines to show support for UFCW members who were on strike and eventually won a strong contract. If you have a story about an ATU brother or sister at Our members in Ontario joining the “Public Healthcare your local going above and beyond the call of duty, please for All” rally to fight Premier Doug Ford’s new healthcare send it to [email protected]. legislation and support keeping provincial healthcare public.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 13 ONTARIO WORKERS ARE GETTING ROUTED BY THE DOUG FORD GOVERNMENT
Right-wing populism in Canada has been taken to new heights by the current Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford. The Ford brand claims to stick up for the “little guy” against the ”elites,” but the reality is that Ford has been gutting worker protections like a fish-monger filleting a pike.
Within days of taking office, the Ford government put forward Bill 2, the Urgent Priorities Act. This omnibus bill ended the longest post-secondary strike in Canadian history and tore up over 700 renewable energy contracts. Shortly after, the government cancelled the Cap and Trade with Bill 4. After fulfilling the wishes of the private nuclear industry During the municipal elections, with the election already in Ontario, Ford began to do the bidding of the Ontario called and underway, Doug Ford put forward Bill 5, which Chamber of Commerce by ending important worker cut the number of council seats in the City of Toronto protections and enforcing concessions that could only be from 47 to 25. This dramatically reduced democratic described as cruel. representation and threw an election into disarray. First, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act Furthering his anti-environmental agenda, the repealed Bill 148, the Changing Workplaces Act. government repealed all Green Energy initiatives with Under Bill 148, the minimum wage was set to rise to Bill 34. By scrapping the Green Energy Act, municipalities $15, unionization was made less difficult, equal pay for were not mandated to pursue green and renewable equal work was a law, paid sick leave was installed, and energy initiatives. This bill effectively killed the solar and important scheduling protections were put in place. wind energy supply in the province. Ford took a sandblaster to these pro-worker laws,
14 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 15 On the healthcare front, the government has continued its pursuit of centralized power by creating a health superagency called Ontario Health, which will make it far easier to privatize public services across the province. Bill 74, entitled The People’s Health Care Act, was leaked to the public before the consultation occurred, exposing the public consultation phase as a sham.
These are just the legislative changes that have made it through the populist right’s control of parliament. stripping the Employment Standards Act and the Labour Relations Act. Minimum wage increases were cancelled, Children and Youth Under Attack and paid sick leave was stolen. Ministers have used their powers to enforce sweeping administrative changes, too. Next on his pro-business agenda was Bill 57, the Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act. Most disturbingly is the attack on children and youth. It removed the powers of institutions that regulate When the government took power, the education minister the environment and labour and weakened reporting scrapped the updated school curriculum that taught requirements for employers. children important modern lessons on gender identity, consent, and sexuality. To placate the social conservative base that put Ford in office, extreme homophobic and Omnibus bill sets stage for transit transphobic parents seized the debate and shaped the privatization curriculum. The Minister of Education is now pushing for raising class sizes from 22 to 28 on average, saying this One particularly harsh change for ATU under this will improve resiliency in students. omnibus bill was the empowerment of Metrolinx, an arms-length transportation agency that has been crucial Next, autistic kids were targeted by the Minister of Social to the privatization movement. Metrolinx has centralized Services, whose enormous cuts to funding for autistic power over all of Ontario public transit and could be therapy will cost parents hundreds of thousands of dollars. catastrophic for workers and riders alike. The Minister Many parents are leaving the province to find support in of Transportation was also empowered, setting the other parts of the country. stage for full-throttle privatization. Part of this agenda Those on social assistance saw their scheduled increases is the uploading of the TTC subway to the province cut in half from 3% to 1.5%, which is below inflation. so, that it can automate TTC operations and privatize The basic income pilot that thousands relied on was its maintenance. scrapped altogether. The onslaught continues.
As In Transit went to print, the government has tabled Bill 66 (Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act). This bill requires no Ministry approval for excessive weekly work hours. This removes protections reaching back to 1944 that regulate the length of the working day. Special approval was necessary if employees were working in excess of 48 hours in a week. Bill 66 removes that regulatory oversight. Now, no approval is required for overtime averaging agreements. Employment standards posters are no longer required in workplaces, which mean companies aren’t required to inform young workers and newcomers of their basic rights.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 15 First a coalition of ATU members and riders have formed to stop TTC subway privatization.
Second, parents of autistic children have caused enough disruption and tripped up enough backbench MPPs that the Minister had to walk back on some of the cuts.
Third, students have begun walk-outs and student strikes in order to protest rising class sizes and sexist curriculum changes.
Fourth, farmers, indigenous communities, and environmental Youth in the university sector have not been spared, either. groups formed to protest deregulation in Ontario’s green belt First, right-to-work style policies were implemented in order to protect green space and wildlife. that made student union dues optional. This policy will This resistance has by no means derailed the anti-worker defund important programs like food banks, campus agenda of the government, but they have certainly exposed media, and sexual survivor supports. cracks and fractures in the conservative caucus. v
ATU, Allies Fighting Back Despite these large-scale setbacks for the working class, there have been a surge of organizing and public demonstrations, many led by the ATU, that have halted the Ford agenda on some important fronts.
International to memorialize deceased local officers at Convention
The International is requesting its locals to send it the names, titles, and pictures (if available) of local presidents, businessagents, and financial secretaries who have passed away since October 8, 2016. This information will be made into a special memorial that will be displayed during the 59th ATU Convention. Please use the form below to submit the name, title/office, local number and charter city, and date of death. This form should be sent to International President John A. Costa no later than September 1, 2019. The form can be mailed to International President John A. Costa, ATU, 10000 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903, emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 301-431-7117. — Local Officer Memorial Form —
Name: Date of Death:
Title/Office:
Local Number: Charter City:
* For example: Local Number: 113 Charter City: Toronto, ON
16 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 17 CORPORATE WELFARE’S GONNA GET YOUR BUS RIDE!
In a landmark organizing victory, New York City activists Take Memphis, for example, where the Memphis Bus recently defeated Amazon.com from getting $3 billion in Riders Union is organizing to preserve service and keep taxpayer subsidies for a second headquarters campus. fares affordable. The city loses one out of every seven property tax dollars to property tax abatements (called Among their most powerful connect-the-dots arguments: “PILOTs” there). the city’s transit system is underfunded and struggling, as are schools, universities, and affordable housing. Like the Chicago loses one out of every ten property tax dollars to “Red for Ed” campaigns, in which teachers’ strikes have a subsidy called tax increment financing (or “TIF”). One rocked even some of the nation’s most conservative states, TIF district alone in Chicago’s Loop (the Central Business the Amazon fight is about working people saying “NO!” District) cost public services almost $1 billion—and the to government austerity. city has more than 160 TIF districts! Meanwhile, the Chicago Transit Authority has suffered recurring service Indeed, the New York victory is inspiring activists cuts, fare hikes, and layoffs. everywhere who seek to protect funding for public services that benefit all employers and make for a great In East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, faith-based organizers “business climate.” Holding their elected officials in Together Baton Rouge (TBR) joined forces with ATU accountable, New York community groups set a positive members a few years ago to win a property tax rate increase example, saying NO! to backroom deals and YES! to a for desperately-needed bus service improvements. Now, future with better transit, more affordable housing, and TBR is fighting to make sure mega-corporations like lower college tuition. ExxonMobil are paying their property taxes, because a single abatement program there cost public services more Many more cities suffer this problem. They give billions than $66 million a year. of dollars in tax breaks and other subsidies to some of the world’s biggest corporations. Inevitably, that means Energized by the community group’s support, teachers in working families and small businesses get stuck with the East Baton Rouge School District voted 445-6 to walk higher taxes and lousier public services. out for a day if the school board approved a big tax break
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 17 for ExxonMobil. The school board voted to deny the tax- depend on it. That’s why ATU has such a strategic role in break, and the shockwaves were national, dominating pushing back against corrosive corporate welfare. Page 1 of the New York Times business section. ATU proudly supports Good Jobs First, a tax-break In New Jersey, former Gov. Chris Christie presided over watchdog group that has also been the union’s longtime more nine-figure giveaway deals (that’s $100 million- partner in staging “boot camps” to train transit rider plus for one single project) than any governor in U.S. organizers. Good Jobs First has research tools and history. He also failed to invest in critical transportation connections that can assist fightback campaigns. If your infrastructure and NJ Transit service. local suspects that corporate tax breaks are undermining the funding base for transit, contact the International Transit, like education, is an enormously popular public Union’s field mobilization department to make a service. Even people who don’t need it themselves connection. v understand that many workers, students, and seniors
30TH ANNUAL ATU INTERNATIONAL LATINO CAUCUS CONFERENCE
September 20-22, 2019 Bally’s Las Vegas 3645 Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV For more information visit the ATU International Latino Caucus Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ATUILC
18 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 19 JUST CAUSE AND EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE No employee shall be disciplined without “just cause”
Too often our locals are forced to defend our members What is “just cause?” against unwarranted warnings, suspensions and terminations “just cause” is a set of standards usually found in our collective because our employers and their supervisors think they bargaining agreements under provisions governing employee “can get away with it.” discipline. They provide a strict set of requirements to limit As we know on the ballfield and battlefield, often the arbitrary, capricious or discriminatory conduct by an employer best offense is a good defense. That is why over many seeking to impose unfair discipline – firing, suspension, decades our locals have negotiated “just cause” provisions demotion - on our members. Specific contract language is into our contracts to set limits on our employers and designed to ensure: their supervisors. • proper notice of rules to employees, Without “just cause” contract provisions, an employer can • due process through full and fair investigation, fire an employee for a good reason, bad reason, or NO • members access to union representation, reason at all. This is called “at will” employment. • proof of a violation, and There are critical questions that every ATU member should • evenhanded and unbiased discipline. understand.
The Seven Tests of “just cause” Our contracts and arbitrators in discipline cases have established a set of guidelines or criteria to be applied to the facts of each case, commonly known as the Seven Tests of “just cause”. Each case must be evaluated on the basis of these standards to determine whether the discipline was justified and appropriate under the circumstances. They are: 1. Reasonable Rule or Work Order/Recent Enforcement. An employee may not be penalized for violating a rule or standard that the employer has failed to enforce for a prolonged period.
Is the rule or order reasonably related to the orderly, efficient, and safe operation of the business? • Is the rule or instruction straightforward and easy to understand?
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 19 • Has the employer been consistent and unbiased in 5. Substantial proof. Charges must be proven by applying the rule or standard? substantial and credible evidence • Is there prior or recent history of discipline for During the investigation, did the employer find proof of violations of this rule or standard? misconduct or of a performance discrepancy?
2. Notice. An employer may not discipline an employee for • What conclusions are clearly supported by the evidence? violating a rule or standard whose nature and penalties • Is the employer relying on rumor, speculation, have not been made known. or hearsay? Did the employee receive adequate notice of the work rule, 6. Equal Treatment. Unless a valid distinction justifies a policy, regulation or performance standard and the higher penalty, an employer may not assess a considerably possible consequences of failure to comply? stronger punishment against one employee that is assessed • Is the violated work rule or performance standard against another who committed the same or substantially published? Is it up-to-date and relevant to the similar offense. employer’s operations? Has the employer dealt with all employees equally, • How did the employer make the employee aware of without discrimination? the rule (bulletin board, manual, meeting, prior oral • Have work rules been applied consistently? or written communication, employee’s job description • Did the employer hold all employees accountable card, written standards, signed acknowledgement)? for the performance standards established for their • What evidence does the employer have that the positions? employee was aware of the rule, and understands • Have similarly situated employees (similar records and it (new employee orientation, notices, record of infractions) received the same discipline? handbook and policy distribution, etc.)? • Have other employees received special or preferential 3. Due Process/Sufficient Investigation.An employer must treatment for similar conduct? conduct an interview or hearing before issuing discipline, 7. Appropriate/Progressive Discipline and Mitigating must take action promptly, and must list the charges precisely. Circumstances. How do you decide what’s appropriate? Did the employer conduct a full and fair investigation • Is the proposed discipline reasonably related to the before making a decision about taking disciplinary action? seriousness of the problem and the employee’s record Was union representation provided upon request. (length of service and overall performance)? • What is the basis for the employer suspecting that a • Is this violation part of a pattern? A minor infraction work rule, policy or performance standard violation? does not merit harsh discipline unless it is a repeat • Did the employer interview all relevant witnesses occurrence by the employee. (supervisors, employees, riders)? • Is there something sympathetic going on in the • Did the employer review all relevant records employee’s work or personal life that explains the and equipment? underlying issue? • Is the penalty punitive or is there a potential for the 4. Fair Investigation. Was the investigation fair and objective? employee to continue to perform the job successfully? • How long ago did the alleged infraction occur? (Unnecessary delays may send a message that the employer does not consider the infraction “Just cause” In Action: Select Portions to be serious.) of Arbitration Awards • Did the employer conduct a one-sided investigation? “In a ‘just cause’ work environment, employees must be • Has the employer addressed conflicting statements or apprised of their employer’s expectations in advance, and other conflicting evidence? put on notice of the consequences for failing to meet those • Is management meaningfully listening to and expectations. It is undisputed that the Grievant did not responding to the evidence the employee presented? receive such advance notice…. They were not informed of
20 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 21 how such information would be used by their new employer, or that such information might result in summary discharge as a witness, and timeframes for removal of from employment. Such actions by the Employer are prior disciplinary actions from an employee’s incongruent with a ‘just cause’ work environment... For the personnel file. reasons and findings stated above, the grievance is sustained. Finally, some ““just cause”” provisions specifically The Grievant’s discharge from employment is overturned.” include actions that will be cause for immediate (Local 1277, Arbitrator Elinor S. Nelson, 2009). dismissal and those that will not subject an employee “Given the shortcomings in its proof and the totality of the to progressive or lower levels of discipline. evidence, the Company has fallen short of demonstrating “just cause” for the grievant’s summary discharge.” (Local 448, Arbitrator Marc D. Greenbaum, 2018). City of Edmonton, Local 569, Edmonton, AB 4.02 Discipline 4.02.01 The City may discipline an Sample “just cause” employee for “just cause”. Notices of investigation and copies of all disciplinary reports, (excluding Contract Language documented counselling sessions, which are non- disciplinary) shall be provided to the Union indicating Most ATU Contracts have language that requires clearly the exact nature of same. Employees required application of “just cause” standards to employee to attend a meeting for discipline shall be entitled to discipline. Some are short, leaving it to the parties have a Union Representative present. The employee and ultimately an arbitrator to apply the standards to shall be advised of this entitlement by the City in individual cases. advance of the meeting. Should the Union or the employee be of the opinion that any disciplinary Transdev, Local 256, action is improper, then the disciplinary action may Sacramento, CA be the subject of a grievance…. Past disciplinary reports shall be deemed void after an employee has Section 9.3 “just cause” maintained a clear record with no disciplinary reports No employee will be disciplined, discharged, for a period of 24 months of active employment. suspended, nor will adverse entries be made in personnel record except for ““just cause”.” Bottomline, ATU works hard to negotiate strong “just Others spell out the standards in some detail, and may cause” language in all contracts to ensure all members include language referencing employer rule books, are treated fairly and enjoy protections when it comes to advance notice and distribution to employees. discipline. v More complete provisions address: • the rights of employees to union representation (Weingarten rights); • written notice, statement of the specific charges or rule violations to the Union and employee within a specified time limit; the right to attend all hearings; • assurances of progressive discipline; • back pay if the investigation does not support suspension or discharge, including back pay for time lost during an investigation, lost time for employees attending investigations
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 21 A LESSON ON
A LESSON ON COMPASSION
In his own words, James L. McGee, Executive Director of group was engaged in a lively discussion about whether the Transit Employees’ Health & Welfare Fund, shares an a national program would somehow support those who important and touching story from a training for ATU weren’t paying into the system – that those who aren’t maintenance members that he conducted on Medicare for All paying are somehow less deserving. This is an argument at the Tommy Douglas Conference Center. I encounter frequently.
We know the American healthcare system is broken. We Others in the group, one woman in particular, pointed out read about it in newspapers and online. We hear about that all of us will have our encounters with the healthcare it on TV and at union meetings. We see how it affects system, and we may rely on others to help us get back on our collective bargaining. And occasionally we experience it feet to become productive in society again. ourselves or among our family and friends. That’s when I brought up that I would be facing one of the That’s why the ATU has made Medicare for All one of most distasteful aspects of my job when I returned to the its top national legislative priorities and why I have been office after that morning’s session. invited to conduct training sessions on single payer as part A Local 689 member had been out on Workers Comp of the ATU’s member training programs. and had fallen seriously behind in the premiums he owed At one recent training session, the political became the Fund. I would be meeting with him that afternoon. personal, and the personal became political, for a member If he couldn’t come up with the balance of his premium of Local 689-Washington, DC, thanks to the generosity of for the month, I would have no choice but to cut off his a group of ATU maintenance workers from various Locals. health insurance for him and his family. Just when he needed care the most, he risked losing it. My regular job is executive director of the Transit Employees’ Health & Welfare Fund, the benefit fund that One member at the training immediately piped up and administers the health and related benefits for Local 689 asked me how much that 689 member owed. When I told members who work for the Washington Metropolitan Area him, to my utter surprise, he handed me some cash and Transit Authority. I see daily how our employment-based challenged everyone at the training to help this member system fails too many of our own members. out. One by one, ATU members came up - people who didn’t know this member at all - and added to a growing At one recent single payer training session for maintenance wad of cash. I collected enough to pay his February workers at the Tommy Douglas Conference Center, the premium and most of his March premium.
22 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 23 Driving back to the office, I was blown away by the gave me a hug and thanked me and those who had made generosity of these members but also a bit concerned this possible. He couldn’t believe that strangers had found about why was this member more deserving than the him in his time of need. many others in the same situation. When I got back to my office, I explained to my staff what had just happened. Then he completely shocked me. He asked me, “What They shared my concern, even arguing that others who about all the others like me who are in the same situation?” perhaps had treated staff nicer were more deserving. I explained to him that is why I am working so hard for Then the 689 member came into my office immediately Medicare for All. angry, even accusing our staff of incompetent record We need a national healthcare system that doesn’t have to keeping. I tried to calm him down, but it wasn’t working. decide which of us is deserving. We all are. v When I finally did and told him what his fellow ATU members had done for him, he broke down into tears. It took him several minutes to compose himself. Then he
In the U.S. Capital, only wealthy can afford to live near Metro stations
Despite the recent creation of thousands of units of affordable housing in Washington, DC, wealthier households are disproportionately more likely to live close to the Metro for an easier commute, while lower- income households have to live farther away.
Between 2012 and 2016, about a half of all households in Washington, DC, had incomes of $75,000 or less.
However, data based on Census estimates revealed that only 44 percent of the roughly 200,000 households living near a DC Metro station made $75,000 or less. That means 10,000 fewer lower-income households have shorter commutes because they living near a Metro fighting to stay afloat with everyday tasks – like getting station than would if the mix of incomes near stations to work or daycare,” said Paul Mackie, research director more closely matched the city as a whole. for Mobility Lab, an Arlington transportation research center. v Besides having to go further to get on Metro, those living further away from stations often have to pay more to commute. Metro, unlike some other transit agencies – MTA in New York City is one - charges people to transfer between buses and trains.
“We’re seeing the rich get richer – in both wealth and quality of life – and low-income people having to keep
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 23 NYC school bus Local threatens strike
as the company refuses to agree to the same salaries and benefits enjoyed by school bus workers at other companies.
The Local has received support from key elected officials, including Mayor Bill de Blasio and Queens State Senator John Liu (D-NY), who sponsored a bill that would grant the school bus workers the EPPs.
“We are now short hundreds of drivers because the wages are not high enough,” said Liu. “And what are we talking about here? We’re talking about school buses that are transporting our little kids on a daily basis to and After New York State lawmakers failed to include critical from school.” employee protection provisions (EPPs) in the new state budget, Local 1181-New York, NY, voted to authorize a This strike vote comes after a study by former White House strike if necessary. economist Benjamin Harris found that adopting critical EPPs could save NYC at least $288 million by reducing EPPs ensure that student passengers have experienced costs associated with turnover, labor unrest, unemployment school bus drivers and escorts on the job to transport them. insurance, and tax revenue lost to low wages. v
The strike vote at Reliant, a private company that serves 12,000 New York City students with disabilities, occurs
Renewed push for Jake Schwab Worker Safety Bill
It’s been almost five years since Local568 -Erie, PA, Despite strong support from key state legislators and an mechanic Jake Schwab was killed on the job. He was aggressive campaign by ATU Locals, the bill unfortunately repairing a vehicle when a bus safety air bag exploded in his never passed. face. His fellow members launched a statewide campaign, but worker safety improvements for public employees has Now one of the chief architects of the bill, Pennsylvania State not improved. Representative Pat Harkins (D-PA), is renewing the fight. Rep. Harkins plans to reintroduce the legislation soon. Pennsylvania state public employees like Jake are currently “There’s no reason the public sector employees should exempted from OSHA regulations like those that shape not have OSHA protections in place as the private sector the private sector. employees, and we won’t give up until we have this accomplished,” Harkins said at a recent rally. In 2014, ATU Locals across Pennsylvania worked with state legislators to introduce the Jake Schwab Worker’s ATU couldn’t agree more and will be working to get this Safety bill to ensure on-the-job safety protection for public bill passed to honor the memory of our fallen brother employees by establishing OSHA-equivalent safety rules and to prevent future tragedies in the public sector. v for public employers.
24 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 25 Proposed Amendments to the ATU Constitution and General Laws Submitted to the International Union for Consideration by The 59th ATU International Convention Meeting in Las Vegas, NV, September 23 – 27, 2019 per Section 6.16 of the ATU Constitution and General Laws
Section 6.16 of the ATU Constitution and General Laws WHEREAS recent litigation in the Ontario courts requires that resolutions proposing amendments to the involving the ATU and Local 113 has raised questions Constitution must first be approved by the local union and about certain provisions of union constitution, including stamped with the local’s official seal before they are forwarded of the ATU Constitution; and to the International. These resolutions must be received by the International no later than August 1 of the year in WHEREAS the members of Local 113 recommend that which the Convention is held. No resolution proposing an such matters including those raised by the MOTION amendment to the ATU Constitution which has not met deserve careful review and analysis; and the above conditions can be considered by the Convention WHEREAS the members of Local 113 recognize that unless two-thirds of the delegates present vote to allow it to the issues raised by the MOTION are important to be presented. our members and to the entire membership of the Resolutions proposing amendments to the Constitution ATU in all of the jurisdictions in Canada and in the which meet the above conditions are printed and distributed United States; to all of the delegates at the opening of the Convention. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we In addition, Section 6.16 requires that all resolutions HEREBY APPROVE THE MOTION as a received by April 1 of the year in which the Convention RESOLUTION and that it be forwarded to the is held are to be published in the May/June issue of the International Union pursuant to Section 6.16 of the ATU In Transit prior to their consideration by the Convention. Constitution in order to provide all ATU local unions The International received two resolutions proposing and all members of ATU an opportunity to review, analyze amendments to the Constitution that met the above and consider the proposed constitutional amendments conditions prior to April 1, 2019. In accordance with set out in the RESOLUTION, in advance of their Section 6.16 these resolutions are published below: consideration at the next ATU International Convention and at the next ATU Convention in 2019.
RESOLUTION NO. 1 1. Repeal section 17, and replace it with the Submitted by Local 113 (Toronto, ON) following:
Preamble Section 17 – Withdrawal of Local Unions: A local union may disaffiliate from the International WHEREAS a MOTION has been submitted calling on Union if a resolution to that effect is passed by a Local 113 to take all measures to propose the following majority of the local’s members, in a membership amendments to the ATU Constitution and General vote conducted in accordance with the local’s by- Laws (ATU Constitution) at the next ATU International laws. A local that disaffiliates is entitled to keep Convention; and any property it holds at the time of disaffiliation. WHEREAS proposed amendments to the ATU Constitution 2. Repeal section 22.2 of the Constitution in are processed as Resolutions in accordance with Section 6.16, its entirety. Resolutions, of the ATU Constitution; and
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 25 3. Amend section 22.1 To remove the words Transit Union to reaffirm the Amalgamated Transit Union “gross disloyalty” and “dual unionism, Constitution and General Laws at Section 13.2, Bylaws, decertification or secession.” which currently provides a democratic procedure enacted to protect the rights of its members by allowing them to 4. Amend section 13.4 To remove the sentence freely participate and exercise their right to vote; and beginning with the words “in case of withdrawal ...” WHEREAS, the current language of the Amalgamated Transit Union Constitution and General Laws at Section 5. Amend section 13.17 To add the following 12.6, Trusteeships, provides the following: words at the end: Prior to the conclusion of the trusteeship, the “Provided, however, that no local union may trustee shall review the bylaws of the subordinate be placed in trusteeship if its members are body and shall submit his or her recommendations contemplating or voting on disaffiliation from the for amendment to the International President (IP). International Union.” In order for the amendment to the bylaws to be legal and effective, it must be approved by the International President and ratified by the General RESOLUTION NO. 2 Executive Board; and Submitted by Local 241 (Chicago, IL) THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Amalgamated WHEREAS, the Amalgamated Transit Union is endowed Transit Union Local 241 approved this Resolution to with the trust of all its members of all of its subordinate amend the Amalgamated Transit Union Constitution and bodies to defend their self-evident rights through General Laws at Section 12.6, Trusteeships, as submitted democratic procedures, reaffirming that no individual has in the attached proposed amendment to the Amalgamated the unilateral authority to speak for the entire body in a Transit Union Constitution and General Laws as follows: democracy; and Prior to the conclusion of the trusteeship, the WHEREAS, in compliance with the Labor Management trustee shall establish a Bylaws Committee. The and Reporting Disclosure Act of 1959, enacted to prevent trustee and members in good standing of the abuses in the administration of trusteeships by labor subordinate body chosen by the trustee to be organizations, in accordance with the constitution and assistants from each unit and location represented bylaws of the organization which has assumed trusteeship by the subordinate body shall comprise the Bylaws over the subordinate body for the purpose of restoring Committee. The trustee shall serve as the chair of the Bylaws Committee. The Bylaws Committee democratic procedures; and shall review the bylaws of the subordinate body and WHEREAS, in compliance with the Amalgamated Transit shall submit recommendations for amendment to Union Constitution and General Laws at Section 12.6 the subordinate body to be processed in accordance which provides that a trusteeship may be imposed by with the ATU Constitution and General Laws at the International Union in order to restore democratic Section 13.2. procedures; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Amalgamated WHEREAS, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241 Transit Union Local 241 stands with subordinate bodies deems it to be in the best interest of the Amalgamated of the Amalgamated Transit Union against any abuses Transit Union reaffirm the Preamble and the Amalgamated in the administration of trusteeship and advocates for Transit Union Constitution and General Laws to build restoring democratic procedures in compliance with up an organization where all working members of our applicable laws and the Amalgamated Transit Union craft can participate in the discussion of those practical Constitution and General Laws, by empowering problems upon the solution of which depends our welfare Amalgamated Transit Union members of subordinate and prosperity, and to restore democratic procedures, by bodies to exercise their voice in the process of amending establishing, prior to the conclusion of a trusteeship of their Bylaws, at the same time reaffirming that amendments subordinate bodies, a Bylaws Committee; and to Bylaws, to be legal and effective, must be approved by the International President (IP) and ratified by the General WHEREAS, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241 Executive Board. deems it to be in the best interest of the Amalgamated
26 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 27 Martha’s Vineyard bus drivers on strike
Frustrated after trying to negotiate a first contract nearly four cost of living increase should not apply to Martha’s Vineyard years after unionizing, Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) bus drivers “because they chose to live there.” Goulart drivers went on strike as of press time. The strike was timed responded, “I didn’t choose to live here, I was born here. I’m as the busy summer season started to ramp up, with many going to die here.” workers and visitors coming to Martha’s Vineyard relying on Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey the bus system as their primary means of transportation. sent videos of support for the bus drivers in their fight for a Since February, Local 1548-Plymouth, MA, and Transit fair contract and justice. Massachusetts Representative Bill Connection, Inc. – VTA’s private, out-of-state contractor Keating sent a staffer member to voice his support for the – have been holding contract talks with a federal mediator. drivers. In addition, Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) tweeted The drivers are seeking fair discipline and due process, health a message for the VTA drivers to stay strong on their fight. and safety improvements, and wage increases in line with “I and many of my friends on the Island and colleagues are the rising cost of living on Martha’s Vineyard. The company very, very upset about what is happening to our bus drivers, submitted its last, best, and final offer, which the Local who we love so much and do so much for us in the community. countered with their own contract proposal. The company They are very dedicated and skilled,” said Chilmark resident then refused to come back to the table, prompting the strike. Ginny Diamond at the town hall. “They deserve better “We didn’t want to strike, but after five long years without treatment from the VTA and the company from Florida a raise, TCI and VTA has done everything in their power to that employs them. What has been happening to them is an bust our union. We were left us with no other option but outrage. We are behind them and on their side.” to strike. We deserve a living wage and fair benefits, and we For three years TCI refused to meet with the workers, to will settle for nothing less.” said VTA driver Richard Townes. negotiate a contract, even attempting to block the union in “We know the impact this strike has had on our community – court. Finally in April 2018, the 11th Circuit Court ruled residents, seasonal employees, businesses and others - and it’s in favor of the drivers, requiring the company negotiate in time for the company to come back to the table.” good faith. The week before the strike, more than 50 bus drivers, Check the ATU website (www.atu.org) for the latest news on residents, community activists, and TCI officials packed a this strike. v Transit Town Hall at Martha’s Vineyard High School in Oak Bluffs. In one heated exchange VTA veteran driver Roland Goulart, who was born on and lives on the Island, told attendees how TCI president and CEO Ed Pigman believes a
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 27 New driver safety shields installed on Edmonton buses
OCTOBER 20 & 21, 2019 WORTHINGTON MANOR GOLF CLUB, URBANA, MD FOR THE BENEFIT OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS RESEARCH
Eight months after Edmonton bus driver Mike Kostelny was stabbed 22 times by a teenager in a violent unprovoked attack, the first driver safety shields were installed on four Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) buses.
Local 569-Edmonton, AB, has been pushing for the shields for the last couple of years and is happy to see them finally installed. Following the assault of Kostelny, Edmonton City Council approved safety measures worth more than $20 million to improve safety for ETS customers and staff, including equipping all buses with shields. The entire fleet should be outfitted by spring 2020. “I don’t think there’s any other major transit jurisdiction in North America that’s going to have shields in all their buses other than Edmonton,” said Local President Mark Tetterington.
The shield has a metal door that separates the driver from the bus. The top half of the shield is open to the vehicle but has a power glass window that can be raised if an emergency situation arises. v
28 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 29 L’une des nombreuses caractéristiques de la riche carrière Le SUT pleure le décès du de Hanley est la reconnaissance du pouvoir et de la force président international qui peuvent être obtenus en unissant les travailleurs du transport en commun et les usagers dans le combat Larry Hanley pour un meilleur transport en commun. Il croyait aussi fermement qu’un membre instruit était un membre Le Syndicat uni du transport et l’ensemble du mouvement puissant et il s’était donné pour mission de développer syndical ont perdu un pionnier et un champion de la l’un des programmes de formation les plus ambitieux de classe ouvrière le 7 mai 2019 avec le décès de Lawrence J. l’histoire du travail organisé. Grâce à ses efforts et à son « Larry » Hanley, président international. engagement, des milliers de membres du SUT ont été formés et inspirés à se battre au nom de la justice dans Sous la gouverne de Hanley, le SUT s’est vu transformé en leurs communautés. l’un des syndicats les plus féroces et les plus progressistes du mouvement syndical, plaidant énergiquement pour Hanley laisse dans le deuil son épouse Thelma, sa fille un transport public plus performant et amélioré, et Monica et son fils Lawrence, Jr. v luttant pour une justice sociale, raciale et économique pour l’ensemble des travailleurs et travailleuses. Hanley a consacré plus de 40 ans de sa vie au SUT et Un appel aux armes au mouvement ouvrier en général. Il était un défenseur infatigable et tenace pour ses membres, les usagers du retentissant transport en commun et tous les syndicalistes. Notre syndicat est confronté à une période extrêmement Hanley a commencé à conduire un autobus en 1978 à difficile et triste de son histoire. Brooklyn, NY; il avait 21 ans. Il a assisté à sa première Le président international du SUT, Larry Hanley – un réunion syndicale en septembre de la même année en tant dirigeant unique en son genre, un transformateur, un que membre du Transport Workers Union (TWU). En pionnier qui a propulsé notre syndicat vers de nouveaux 1979, il a été muté à Staten Island et est devenu membre sommets – est décédé tragiquement et subitement en mai. de la section locale 726. Lors de sa première grève, il était réputé avoir fait le piquet de grève jour et nuit. Deux semaines plus tard, notre confrère de la section Il est devenu délégué syndical, a participé à la prise locale 1593 (Tampa, FL), Thomas Dunn, a été poignardé de contrôle de la machine du parti démocrate de son à mort à son travail, dernière attaque brutale d’une arrondissement et a été élu le plus jeune président de épidémie d’agressions contre les travailleurs des transports la section locale 726. À ce titre, il a été un pionnier en commun. dans l’organisation du transport de passagers, dirigeant Quelques jours après, un garçon de 10 ans circulant à des milliers de syndiqués et d’usagers du transport en bicyclette a été tragiquement tué dans un autre accident commun en vue de réformer la manière dont le service évitable alors qu’un autobus de la NJ Transit, comportant de transport en commun était offert à Staten Island. Il un angle mort massif, effectuait un virage à gauche à un a dirigé l’opération de Staten Island pour la campagne passage pour piétons. réussie de David Dinkins comme maire de New York et a aidé à fonder le parti des familles de travailleurs (Working Aucun mot ne peut exprimer notre sentiment de chagrin Families Party) de New York. et de tristesse devant ces morts tragiques.
En 2002, Hanley est devenu vice-président international Mais comme j’assume le poste de président international du SUT avant d’être élu réformateur à la présidence du SUT, et témoigne de la solidarité internationale internationale en 2010. En tant que président pratiquée par les membres en ces temps difficiles, je international, Hanley a restructuré le SUT pour mieux suis persuadé plus que jamais que nos membres et notre lutter contre la privatisation croissante des transports en syndicat sont déterminés à honorer l’œuvre de Larry et se commun et pour protéger les moyens de subsistance des battre farouchement pour rendre nos rues plus sûres pour travailleurs des transports en commun. tous ceux qui les partagent.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 29 Nous devons le signifier clairement à l’industrie et à nos États-Unis, la Loi sur la protection des travailleurs du employeurs. Nous ne devrions plus nous contenter de transport en commun et des piétons, la Transit Worker salaires qui ne nourrissent pas nos familles, d’avantages and Pedestrian Protection Act, déjà rédigée, garantira des que nous ne pouvons pas nous permettre, de conditions changements majeurs essentiels en matière de sécurité de travail qui nous font nous demander si nous rentrerons dans tous les systèmes de transport en commun. chez nous à la fin de la journée. Cette législation obligerait toutes les agences de transport Nous devons faire savoir à l’establishment politique des en commun à créer des plans de réduction des risques États-Unis et du Canada – en particulier le président et à installer des barrières physiques pour protéger des États-Unis, Donald Trump, le premier ministre de les conducteurs. Elle obligerait également les agences l’Ontario, Doug Ford, et les grands noms des entreprises américaines de transport en commun à signaler une qui les soutiennent – que nous n’accepterons ni la gamme plus vaste d’incidents. Elle invite également les privatisation de nos ressources publiques ni l’élimination agences américaines de transport en commun à collaborer de nos droits au travail. Nous ne devrions plus laisser un avec les travailleurs afin de résoudre rapidement les nivellement mondial vers le bas entraîner nos membres et problèmes d’angles morts des conducteurs d’autobus. nos usagers dans la pauvreté et l’immobilité. Alors que le projet de loi prend de l’ampleur à Capitol Nous devons prendre la passion et les programmes de Hill, avec plus de 140 membres du Congrès qui le Larry et les transformer en un mode de vie pour nos coparrainent, nous avons besoin de plus de soutien, en sections locales et en une victoire tangible pour nos particulier de la part des républicains. Les membres du membres et alliés. Plus jamais ne devrions-nous nous Congrès n’approuveront un projet de loi que s’ils en contenter d’aspiration sans action concrète. entendent parler par leurs électeurs.
Nous devons bâtir des alliances plus profondes et plus Voilà pourquoi tous nos membres doivent contacter leur durables entre nos sections locales et avec nos usagers et membre du Congrès et lui dire d’appuyer dès maintenant les organismes communautaires pour progresser et obtenir cette législation essentielle. Pour savoir comment des transports en commun plus nombreux, de meilleure contacter votre représentant au Congrès, rendez-vous qualité, plus sûrs et plus abordables. Plus jamais ne sur www.atu.org. C’est facile et cela ne vous prendra que devrions-nous nous contenter de coalitions qui n’existent quelques minutes. que sur papier. Au Canada, nous travaillons en collaboration avec Nous devons faire face à l’avènement des véhicules SUT Canada et nos sections locales canadiennes sur des autonomes et à ses conséquences. Plus jamais ne laisserons- protections et une législation similaires tout en nous nous les propriétaires de technologie décider qui sont les appuyant fortement sur les agences locales pour prendre gagnants et les perdants de ces changements inévitables. des mesures comme celles d’Edmonton, en Alberta, où tous les autobus seront munis d’un bouclier protecteur Nous devons exiger des mesures législatives, réglementaires pour les conducteurs. et en milieu de travail pour mettre fin à l’épidémie insensée d’attaques contre les travailleurs des transports en Je suis membre du SUT depuis 38 ans et je sais que notre commun. Plus jamais ne devrions-nous nous contenter de syndicat et nos membres sont progressifs, dynamiques véhicules qui exposent les conducteurs à la violence et les et impressionnants. Nous pouvons saisir ce moment piétons au danger, des véhicules conçus pour économiser de tristesse collective et l’utiliser pour lancer une vague des sous, mais qui coûtent des vies. d’action collective sans précédent.
Notre agenda est grand; il est audacieux. Nous pouvons Et je sais que nos membres de Pensacola, Floride, à Port commencer à le promulguer en transformant ces récentes Alberni, Colombie-Britannique, de San Diego, Californie, tragédies en un tournant décisif dans notre combat pour à St. John’s, Terre-Neuve et nos membres de partout améliorer la sécurité de nos membres et des usagers, tant ailleurs, se réuniront pour relancer notre campagne en aux États-Unis qu’au Canada. faveur de la justice sociale, raciale et économique pour tous. v En fait, nous avons déjà un plan pour y arriver. Aux
30 March - June 2019 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 31 DeathIn Benefits Memoriam Awarded January 1, 2019 - February 28, 2019
1- MEMBERS AT LARGE WILLIAM SERRANO RICHARD M JARRELL SR 822- PATERSON, NJ GUILLERMO G NUEVA LAMUEL LEE DIXON LESTER L SPEIGHTS LEON JONES CLYDE F WILLIAMS ROY E HAYWOOD JOHNNY TAYLOR DONALD L KEYSER 824- NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 1279- JOHNSTOWN, PA WINFRED C HUGHES ERNEST C VON HELMS FELIX LABOY MAURICIO MONCAYO JOSEPH NATTA JR BILLY H SORRELL FREDERICK E MARTIN JOHN L WIMMER 265- SAN JOSE, CA BRUCE MC KOY 825- ORADELL, NJ 1321- ALBANY & TROY, NY DAVID W ADAMS CHRISTOPHER MCCLAIN SOLOMON BEAVERS MILTON R DIXON 85- PITTSBURGH, PA JOHN L BRUTON WILLIAM A NUTT ELLIS KNIGHT JOHN A MISKEWICZ JAMES H ARMES THOMAS LINCOLN JOAN M PETTIT ANGEL L RUBIO SAMUEL L MOSES HARRY E BENTLEY DAVID PLATT CORNEALIOUS QUICK EARLIE J ROBERTS NAOMI R BROOME GERALDINE ROSENBERG WILLIE R SELLARS 842- WILMINGTON, DE RONALD W DUNKLE RICHARD K YARR CARL W WAGNER TERRY OUTTEN 1336- BRIDGEPORT, CT PAUL J GALLICK JR JERRY WHITE DAVID P CHIZMADIA GEORGE W GARNER JR 279- OTTAWA, ON ELIZA J YOUNG 846- ST. CATHARINES, ON LEIGHTON B IRWIN GILBERT BEAULIEU FRANK SCOTTU 1338- DALLAS, TX RAYMOND J KREPIN JOSE E ENCARNACAO 694- SAN ANTONIO, TX HENRY CHAMBERS JR HAROLD J LINNERT DAVID G MC PHEE EULALIO A CISNEROS III 880- CAMDEN, NJ RUFUS CHILDRESS CAROLE J O’CONNOR EUNICE KEARNEY JR ERNEST J PAWLAK 282- ROCHESTER, NY 713- MEMPHIS, TN SYBIL R MONROE 1342- BUFFALO, NY JAMES P STACK FREDERICK HALIK CHRISTOPHER PAYNE JOHN W JUDGE JAMES S ZABELSKY GEORG WEBER 956- ALLENTOWN, PA DONALD E UPLINGER 725- BIRMINGHAM, AL CLAIR W FATZINGER JR 107- HAMILTON, ON 312- DAVENPORT, IA JOHN HALL 1363- PROVIDENCE, RI HAZEN E MILLS EVALEA LAVONNE MC BRIDE 998- MILWAUKEE, WI JOSEPH D MC GINTY 726- STATEN ISLAND, NY JAMES JOHNSON 113- TORONTO, ON 448- SPRINGFIELD, MA ANGEL SANTIAGO PAUL J SCHAMBOW 1415- TORONTO, ON DOMENIC BARTOLO RAYMOND C DRISCOLL NATALIA GORONKOVO JOSEPH CURTIN 732- ATLANTA, GA 1005- MINNEAPOLIS DIANE DAUGHTON 508- HALIFAX, NS HARRY CARLTON LITTLE & ST. PAUL, MN 1433- PHOENIX, AZ WILLIAM ELLIOTT NICHOLAS I MURRAY MAYNARD L NEIGHBORS FRED W BELL JR ALFREIDA W FARRIS TYLER L GIBSON WALTER E PRITCHETT JAMES M BUTLER IVOR HARRISON 569- EDMONTON, AB DWIGHT THOMAS LAWRENCE H KLIMEK 1447- LOUISVILLE, KY DONALD SAMUEL WM JARY ROMMEL ALVAREZ JOHN CHESTER VAUGHAN ARTHUR J SCHROEPFER OWEN H WILSON HAROLD F LINDSAY WALLACE LOYDE BEVAN DAVID W SCHULDT JOHN H MONTGOMERY RUBY J DANNEY 757- PORTLAND, OR 1474- RICHMOND, IN LAWRENCE P O’CONNELL JOHN KLOS GARY R REAGAN 1015- SPOKANE, WA CALVIN A BRUMFIELD WILLIAM STOVER WILBERT E SMOKER JAMES A YAZZOLINO SHIRLEY CHRISTIANSEN JOHN SZUCS 1496- WILLIAMSPORT, PA RANDY A TOPP 583- CALGARY, AB 788- ST. LOUIS, MO 1168- WAUSAU, WI VIRGINIA A BARTRAW PHILLIP R BROWN WILBERT L BEDFORD NEIL E OLSON 192- OAKLAND, CA EDWARD J BULESKE JR 1505- WINNIPEG, MB JACQUELINE D BOWLER 587- SEATTLE, WA WILLIE JAMES BURNS 1179- NEW YORK, NY SIETGE DYKSTRA LIONEL FORESTALL MARLENE K HORNER DAVID H BYAS ROY MORRINGELLO DAVID KRAHN ROBERT FREEMAN GREGORY B MANSKER OSCAR D CANNON JESSE J MAHONE CRYSTAL V CHRISP 1181- NEW YORK, NY 1548- PLYMOUTH, MA ESMOND M MASON 589- BOSTON, MA WALTER L COLLIER EDWARD BONFORTI DAVID TERASCONI THOMAS F MOLLOY ELWYN G COTTER JOHN E COONCE SILVANA BOTTA ROBERT JOE RABY PATRICIA L DE LUCA BOBBY L CRUSE CAESAR DE MARCO 1576- LYNNWOOD, WA JAMES W DUCHANEY FLOYD FONDREN JR MARY DE MAURO EDITH F RICHERSON 241- CHICAGO, IL WILLIAM P HOWELL AARON HOOKS EDWARD J FERINGTON LAMAR BATES JR WILLIAM B PARTRIDGE ANTHONY W ISOM SYLVIA FRIEDMAN 1587- TORONTO, ON CORNELL E BROWN STERLAND JACKSON BARBARA GERRARD GINO PERRI JOE BULLOCK 591- HULL, QC BOYD JOHNSON ANTHONY MENELAS JAMES A COX JACQUES CADIEUX JOHNNY L KING 1700- CHICAGO, IL GREGORY CROOM SID ROBERTS 1220- RICHMOND, VA WILLIAM J CARRICK JR MARY F GALLON 618- PROVIDENCE, RI BETTY L ROSE CLIFTON R SETTLES JR CHESTER C CRAVEN THOMAS B GILMORE CARL A SHERBLUM JR JOSEPH R SCHULER ELLIS L NASH JOHN R GROOM ROBERT C WILLIAMS JOAN L SMITH 1235- NASHVILLE, TN RICHARD L SHUMATE JR CURTIS L HAGANS CECIL ROBINSON JR JAMES H HOLMES 627- CINCINNATI, OH 819- NEWARK, NJ GLEASON R ROGERS 1741- LAFAYETTE, IN RONALD L HOPKINS SR CHARLES JACKSON RUFUS C CLEVELAND MARK K ZERBES SILVINO LEON GERALD J GRIFFIN 1277- LOS ANGELES, CA FANNY L PATTEN 689- WASHINGTON, DC SUN HWANG TONY GARCIA JR 1756- ARCADIA, CA GEORGE RODRIGUEZ AURELIO BELLO JAMES GATEWOOD GILBERT SAENZ RAUL R RODRIGUEZ WILLIAM R BLANKENSHIP JR 820- UNION CITY, NJ CARLOS HOLGUIN EDWARD ROSS JR ALLEN T BLEGAY MIGUEL FERNANDEZ STANLEY T INOUYE
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AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION CONVENTION DELEGATES & GUESTS
THE 59TH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION will be held at Paris Las Vegas Hotel, September 23 – 27, 2019
Information about Traveling to the United States An international destination of choice, Las Vegas is easily accessed by land and air. Don’t forget to ensure you have a valid passport at all times. Canadian citizens returning home should also be aware that there are new customs requirements in effect. For more information, visit the websites of: Citizenship and Immigration Canada U.S. Department of State (Passport Information) http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp http://www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html