WE'RE RIDIN' WITH BIDEN - An in-depth look at the candidate and his policies for the coronavirus, Labor and transit - Amalgamated Transit Union
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O F F I C I A L J O U R N A L O F T H E A M A LG A M AT E D T R A N S I T U N I O N | A F L- C I O/C LC
JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2020
WE’RE RIDIN’
WITH BIDEN
An in-depth look at the candidate and his
policies for the coronavirus, Labor and transit.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 21: Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden shakes hands
with Amalgamated Transit Union International President John Costa in Las Vegas one day before Nevada Caucuses.
INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS
JOHN A. COSTA
International President
JAVIER M. PEREZ, JR.
International Executive Vice President
KENNETH R. KIRK
International Secretary-Treasurer
INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
35th Annual ATU MS Golf
RICHARD M. MURPHY
Newburyport, MA
Tournament cancelled due
JANIS M. BORCHARDT
Madison, WI to pandemic
PAUL BOWEN
Canton, MI
MARCELLUS BARNES The ATU regrets to announce that due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have decided
Flossmore, IL to cancel the 2020 Annual ATU MS Golf Tournament. The ATU Multiple Sclerosis
RAY RIVERA Research Fund has been raising money to help find a cure for MS for more
Lilburn, GA
YVETTE TRUJILLO than 35 years. You can still show your support for this great cause by visiting
Thornton, CO
http://bit.ly/ATUMSFund to contribute to the ATU MS Research Fund. We wish
GARY JOHNSON, SR.
Cleveland, OH you and your families safety and good health, and look forward to seeing you at
ROBIN WEST next year’s tournament.
Halifax, NS
CHUCK WATSON
Syracuse, NY
BRUCE HAMILTON
New York, NY
MICHELLE SOMMERS
Brooklyn Park, MN
JAMES LINDSAY
Santa Clarita, CA
EMANUELE (MANNY) SFORZA
Toronto, ON
JOHN CALLAHAN
Winnipeg, MB
CURTIS HOWARD
Atlanta, GA
NATALIE CRUZ
Lorain, OH
ANTHONY GARLAND
Washington, DC
RAYMOND GREAVES
Bayonne- NJ
INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
DENNIS ANTONELLIS
Spokane, WA
STEPHAN MACDOUGALL INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS EMERITUS
Boston, MA
SESIL RUBAIN International President Jim La Sala, ret.
New Carrollton, MD
MARILYN WILLIAMS International President Warren George, ret.
St. Louis, MO
International Executive Vice President Ellis Franklin, ret.
MIKE HARMS
Pittsburgh, PA
MICHAEL CORNELIUS Subscription: USA and Canada, $5 a year. Single copy: 50 cents. All others: $10 a year. Published bimonthly by the
Amalgamated Transit Union, Editor: David Roscow, Designer: Paul A. Fitzgerald. Editorial Office: 10000 New Hampshire
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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
CONTENT
J U LY/AUG/SEP T
2020Vol. 129, No. 3
8 International Secretary-Treasurer’s Message:
Let’s get into some ‘good trouble’
9 Joe Biden letter to ATU members
10 Kamala Harris - A historic Vice
Presidential pick
14 School bus drivers prepare for
opening challenges
TRUMP VS BIDEN - ISSUES THAT MATTER 11 Donald Trump calls veterans, active
MOST TO ATU MEMBERS military ‘Losers and Suckers’
15 ATU Canada awards 2020
Marcel Malboeuf Scholarships
16 Canadian Agenda: Why the U.S. election
matters to Canada
19 Locals fight on frontlines against pandemic
21 Remember Our Fallen
25 AC Transit Mechanic Helper Program:
ATU CANADIAN LOCALS SECURE 18 Members climb the career ladder
EMERGENCY FUNDING VICTORY 26 Amalgamated Transit Union:
Top Senate Picks
28 Ballot initiatives that matter to
ATU members
2 International Officers &
General Executive Board 29 Translation
35th Annual ATU MS Golf Tournament 30 In Memoriam
cancelled due to pandemic
32 Contribute to ATU-COPE
3 Index page
4 Pandemic Bargaining: Resist Every
Concession, Resist Every Layoff
5 International President’s Message:
U.S. members: VOTE by Tuesday,
November 3
6 Vote by Mail 2020
7 International Executive Vice President’s
Message: VOTE: ‘We just might save our
country and our souls’
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 3
As predicted, transit agencies and private employers in the to prepare our Locals – both big and small, urban and
U.S. and Canada have used the COVID-19 pandemic rural – for negotiations long before they begin. In others,
as justification for layoffs and the wage and healthcare it will help accelerate drawn-out negotiations with
concessions they have tried for years to obtain. Employers member action.
are also betting that they can get away with busting unions
by pitting workers against each other by race, classification, We will not accept negotiating ploys that promise that
seniority, and more, when in fact all members refuse to contract give-backs will last only until the current crisis
accept poverty-level pay as a result of the coronavirus recedes – not when we know that managements find ways
economic disaster. to make sure the “crisis” never ends.
The International will continue to support the exceptional
work of our locals to keep pressure on employers to meet We’ll fight like hell
our crucial Safe Service demands (see atu.org).
We will not allow governments to claim that they just
can’t afford to pay living wages – not when the Trump
administration can afford to dole out incredible largesse to
Our lives, our livelihoods the rich in the form of tax cuts and unneeded stimulus
Now, just as the International and Locals have taken an subsidies; not when Parliament takes care of so many other
aggressive approach since the onset of COVID-19 to interest groups.
protect the lives of our members, we must fight with that
same vigor and resistance to protect our livelihoods. We will not be made to bear the cost of the pandemic – not
when our members are dying at three times the rate of the
International President John Costa has encouraged Locals general population.
to take a “resist every concession, resist every layoff,”
approach to bargaining. Our goal, quite simply, is to stop In short, we’ve worked hard for many years for the wages
layoffs and concessions in their tracks, to ensure that the and healthcare benefits we’ve earned, and we will fight like
costs of this pandemic and the resulting recession don’t hell to keep them. v
fall to those least able to afford it.
To resist concessions – and even win new victories – we
will rely on our tested Safe Service tactics and approach.
That means deep one-on-one organizing and aggressive
campaigns. In some cases, this will be a proactive drive
4 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSIT
JOHN A. COSTA, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
U.S. members: VOTE by
Tuesday, November 3
I know, for all of us, it has been an endless, exhausting, Name-calling has replaced political discourse. All sense of
and stressful time since the pandemic began in early Spring. civility is gone.
Tragically, over 30 more of our members have died from
COVID-19 since the last In Transit, bringing the total to President Trump has exploited it, creating division and
over 85 sisters and brothers lost. Countless more have been hate. He “stirs the pot” for political gain. And it’s not good
sickened – some seriously – some for life. for our country or the world.
Is this really the way we want to live?
Fighting for you every day
As infections and deaths rise, and states and provinces Would we tolerate this from
reopen, your Union continues to fight for you every any other President?
day; fighting to force transit properties to require social I do not doubt the sincerity of those who support the
distancing; insisting they provide personal protective President. I only ask you to look at where we have arrived.
equipment, and pressuring them to adopt all of our Safe
Service demands (see atu.org). America is in deep trouble, and we have a President who
runs away from responsibility and blames others for every
Unsurprisingly, transit agencies are claiming that decreased problem. The “buck” never stops with Donald Trump.
tax revenue will force them to demand layoffs, and wage
and benefit cuts. We are fighting this too, not only because Would we tolerate this behavior from any other President?
it is wrong, but, because we know that many employers We have got to take back our democracy before we lose it
will try to make these cuts permanent. altogether.
Cutting transit funding and weakening unions are typical
goals of Republicans in the U.S. and Conservatives in Leadership
Canada. And you can be sure that if Donald Trump is
re-elected, he and the GOP will do everything they can We have to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
to achieve those goals. ATU endorsed Joe Biden for President in February, before
the coronavirus became the threat that it is today. And we
still do. Why?
Is this really the way we want to live?
The United States is currently in the grip of multiple crises,
— continued on page 6
but unlike previous crises such as 9/11, we’re not coming
together as a nation. Rather the U.S. is so divided along
political and ideological lines that the simple act of wearing
a mask can spur outrage.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 5
Because:
• Joe Biden knows how to mount an effective crisis
response based on the knowledge of scientists and
health experts.
• Joe Biden made an historic pick in naming
Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate.
• Joe Biden has a plan to create millions of good-
paying jobs.
• Joe Biden will root out systemic racism and his
policies will mandate that every American be LAS VEGAS, NV: Democratic presidential candidate former
treated with dignity and respect. Vice President Joe Biden (L) shakes hands with Amalgamated Transit
Union International President John Costa one day before the
• Joe Biden has a plan to strengthen unions and Nevada Democratic presidential caucuses.
help all workers bargain for what they deserve.
• Joe Biden will support public transit with strong November 3. It’s no exaggeration to say the fate of the
labor protections. U.S., Canada, and even the world is in your hands.
• Joe Biden will protect and build on Obamacare.
• Joe Biden will restore civility and respect for the
United States.
Be proactive
If you plan to vote by mail, do whatever you can to get
ahold of a ballot and mail it in as soon as you can.
Your one vote counts more You can read much more about the Biden/Harris ticket and
than you think the coming U.S. election in this issue. v
Too many people think their one vote won’t count – and
then we end up with a result that doesn’t respect the wishes
of the majority of Americans. So, VOTE by Tuesday,
Vote by mail is easy. In fact states
that have vote by mail have some
of the highest turnout.
And it only takes a minute.
Many states have been using vote
by mail for many years.
This election is more important
than ever. So use the easy, secure
and convenient way to vote.
Vote by Mail (in most states) at:
go.aflcio.org/ATU-votes
6 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSIT
JAVIER M. PEREZ, JR., INTERNATIONAL EXEC. VICE PRESIDENT
VOTE: ‘We just might save
our country and our souls’
A song by the band “Chicago,” and an address delivered by historian John Meacham to the
Democratic National Convention, spoke to me as I reflected on the importance of the coming
American election. I thought they might prove meaningful to you as well:
‘Dialogue Part 1 & 2’ history. And, we shouldn’t want to.
– Chicago, 1972 For many of us have been given much: liberty, opportunity,
a sense of possibility. The task of our time is to make sure
Are you optimistic ’bout the way that things are going? No, those gifts are available not to just folks who look like me,
I never think of it at all. but to all of us.
Don’t you worry when you see what’s going down? No, I try This is a grave moment in America. A deadly virus is
to mind my business and that is no business at all. ravaging us. Our jobs are evaporating. … Our democracy is
When it’s time to function as a feeling human being, will under assault from an incumbent more interested in himself
your Bachelor of Arts help you get by? I hope to study further than he is in the rest of us.
a few more years or so and to keep a steady high. Extremism, nativism, isolationism and a lack of economic
Will you try and change things with the power that you opportunity for working people are all preventing us from
have, the power of a million new ideas? What is this power realizing our nation’s promise.
you speak of and this need for things to change? I always And so, we must decide whether we will continue to be
thought that everything was fine. prisoners of the darkest of American forces or will we free
Don’t you feel repression closing in around? No, the campus ourselves to write a brighter, better, nobler story. That’s the
here is very, very free. issue of this election – a choice that goes straight to the
nature of the soul of America. …
Does it make you angry the way war is dragging on? I hope
the President knows what he’s into. I don’t know. The soul is what makes us us. In its finest hours America’s
soul has been animated by the proposition that we are all
Don’t you ever see the starvation in the city where you live, created equal …
all the needless hunger, all the needless pain? I haven’t been
there lately, the country is so fine, I haven’t got the time. Yet, America is a mix of light and shadow, Seneca Falls,
Selma, Stonewall, dwell in the American soul, but so do
Thank you for the talk you really eased my mind. Well the impulses that have given us slavery, segregation, and
if you had my outlook your feeling would be numb, you’d systematic discrimination. …
always think everything was fine.
Yet, history, which will surely be our judge, can also be our
guide. … Our story has become fuller and fairer because
of people who share a conviction that Dr. King articulated
Address by Jon Meacham on that Sunday, half a century ago: “The arc of the moral
Excerpts, 2020 Democratic National Convention universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”
In his final Sunday sermon, days before his death, Martin Bending that ark requires all of us. … With our voices and
Luther King Jr., said, “We are tied together in a single our votes, let us now write the next chapter of the American
garment of destiny.” … We the people cannot escape that story – one of hope, of love, of justice. If we do so, we
reality. Nor, as Lincoln taught us, can you and I escape might just save our country – and our souls. v
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 7
KENNETH RAY KIRK,
INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER
Let’s get into some
‘good trouble’
U.S. Brothers and Sisters, we face one of the biggest Use it or lose it
challenges of our lifetime with the election in November.
Sisters and brothers, your vote affects every aspect of your
It’s every bit as great as the challenge we faced when I was a
life, from the cost of your utilities, to your right to have a
child in the 1960s, when we protested the poor education
union, to taxes of all kinds, and even the quality of the air
and poverty that denied African-Americans any hope of
you breathe.
attaining the American Dream.
We fought for the American Dream – for life, liberty, and We’ve all seen how the Trump Administration and courts
justice for all. And Labor was at the forefront of the civil have inhibited the ability of labor unions to protect your
rights movement because unions understood that decent rights at work. President Trump has mishandled the
wages and rights on the job were crucial for a good life. And COVID-19 pandemic and cost the lives of more than 85 of
we’re still fighting for economic justice and fair treatment for our sisters and brothers.
workers today.
The right choice to lead our nation forward through this
The fight for “one-person/one-vote” has been a struggle crisis and beyond is Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. They
throughout U.S. history. African Americans, women, and will help rebuild the middle class by restoring the rights
others have fought for the right to vote through constitutional of Labor, advance racial justice and equity, and bolster our
amendments and challenges to our legal system. economy through unprecedented investment in public
services like transit.
John Lewis, Kamala Harris
VOTE!
After the death of John Lewis, we were reminded of the
struggle to pass the 1965 Voting Rights Act which guaranteed Vote for candidates that stand for working people, unions,
every citizen the right to vote – a right purchased with the and public transit. Your vote determines how your Local,
blood of Americans of every race, color, and creed. It should state and national governments are run, and this year that’s
never be taken for granted. more important than ever.
Unfortunately, the Voting Rights Act was severely diluted So, I encourage you, and all U.S. members to vote like
by a 2013 Supreme Court decision which invalidated a never before.
major portion of the law. And many states have taken
advantage of that decision by passing new “Jim Crow” As the great John Lewis said, “Ordinary people with
laws intended to inhibit African Americans, and other extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of working people
marginalized communities from voting. by getting in what I call ‘good trouble’ – necessary trouble.
Voting and participating in the democratic process are key.
Undoubtedly, Lewis would have been pleased to see the The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you
nomination of Kamala Harris as the first Black woman have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not
candidate for Vice President, but he would admonish us guaranteed. You can lose it.”
not to “sit on our laurels.” He would exhort us to re-double
our efforts to vote during this critical time. Let’s get into some good trouble! v
8 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSIT
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 9
KAMALA HARRIS
A HISTORIC VICE PRESIDENTIAL PICK
In a historic pick, Joe Biden has chosen a Black woman, Harris began her career fighting for working families in
California Senator Kamala Harris, as his vice presidential the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, where
running mate in the November U.S. election. she focused on prosecuting child sexual assault cases. She
then went on to be the first Black woman elected as San
“In Senator Harris, Joe Biden has selected a fighter, a Francisco’s District Attorney.
champion of working families, and a strong advocate
of the labor movement to help win the White House in In 2010, Harris became the first Black woman to be
November,” says International President John Costa. elected California Attorney General, overseeing a justice
department second only in size to the U.S. Department
“The team of Biden and Harris will unify Americans, of Justice.
beat the COVID-19 pandemic and restore the respect
of the world to our country. Together, they will fight for
racial and economic justice and a more inclusive future
for America’s working families.” Fought for families
In that position she fought for families and won a $20
billion settlement for California homeowners against big
banks that were unfairly foreclosing on homes. Harris
Daughter of immigrants also worked to protect Obamacare, helped win marriage
The daughter of immigrants from equality for all, and defended California’s landmark climate
Jamaica and India, Harris grew up change law.
believing in the American Dream
In 2016, Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate, where she
and rose to be the first Black and
has a strong track record of supporting working families
Indian American woman to represent
and the labor movement. She has pushed to create a fairer
California in the U.S. Senate.
process for forming unions and protecting healthcare and
As a young child in Berkeley, CA, retirement security.
in the 1960s, Harris’ life
She introduced and co-sponsored legislation to help the
was shaped by the Civil
middle class, increase the minimum wage to $15, reform cash
Rights Movement as
bail, and defend the legal rights of refugees and immigrants.
her parents brought her
to countless protests. As a member of the Senate Homeland Security and
She regularly describes Governmental Affairs Committee Harris also oversees
her mother as the most the federal government’s response to natural disasters and
important influence on emergencies, including the Trump Administration’s response
her life. “My mother used to COVID-19.
to say, ‘Don’t sit around
ATU members across this country are excited to stand
and complain about
together, fight back, and elect President Joe Biden and
things, do something,’”
Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the nation this
says Harris.
November. v
10 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSITISSUES THAT MATTER
MOST TO ATU MEMBERS
The 2016 election of U.S. President Donald Trump has In the first few critical weeks of the pandemic, Trump’s
drastically impacted ATU members and all Americans. Department of Transportation incredibly said, “… PPE
During the past 3½ years, this President’s policies is not recommended at this time. …” Even now, after
have resulted in illness, injury, and even death for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
countless transit workers. He has starved public transit of recommended wearing cloth face coverings in public,
crucial funding, weakened unions, and stolen the hard- Trump’s DOT has not mandated masks on transit.
earned wages of working families to line the pockets of
the ultra-wealthy. Consequently, passengers keep infecting other riders and
operators. That’s likely what happened to Jason Hargrove,
What would Joe Biden do differently? A lot: 26-Detroit, MI, a 50-year-old bus driver, who posted a
Facebook video complaining about a passenger who openly
coughed on his bus without covering her mouth. Eleven
ISSUE: COVID-19 days later, Jason died of COVID-19.
“It is what it is,” said Donald Trump regarding the
staggering coronavirus death toll. “I think it’s under
control,” he says, as over a thousand Americans die each Joe Biden: A Different Approach
day. More than 85 ATU members have lost their lives. “Jason Hargrove is a heartbreaking example of the courage
and selflessness that you and your colleagues show every
Trump’s dismal mismanagement has cost lives. An ATU single day to literally keep the country running,” Joe Biden
survey found that 50% of our employers have not provided said during a recent town hall with frontline workers,
bus operators with basic personal protective equipment including paratransit driver Jerry Brown, 836-Grand
(PPE). Without federal government help, transit agencies Rapids, MI.
have been forced to bid against each other for PPE, making
it difficult to secure life-saving equipment. “Jason should have never been left to fend for himself
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 11on his own to sacrifice his life for his job,” said the What other group of workers has to endure this?
former Vice President.
That’s the way Joe Biden sees it too: “Just someone getting
on the bus and going after you. … I mean, my Lord, we
need much more support for transit workers, because you
“I also strongly believe that people getting on your are the reason why things continue to function. Period. I
promise you I’m going to keep banging away at this. …
bus should also wear protective masks. They should And if I’m President, I guarantee you that [protection and
be in a position so that they are not spreading what support] will be available.”
they have to you as well, and to other passengers.”
ISSUE: Taxes
In 2017, “Joe,” the bus driver and “Jane,” the rider, took
Biden says that, if elected, he will listen to doctors, reopen
it on the chin with passage of Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs
the White House Pandemic Office, create 10 mobile testing
Act – the most outrageous money grab by the rich in
sites per state, provide faster hospital expansion, and produce
American history that will destroy what is left of the
enough safety gear. “When I’m President, we will be better
middle class.
prepared, respond better, and recover better,” he said.
For Joe, 50, a married operator with two children, earning
Biden’s message to ATU members: “You deserve to be
$38,000 per year, the bill is devastating. Ending the state
protected.”
and local deduction has made it very hard for Joe to keep
food on the table and save for his kids’ college.
ISSUE: Transit Worker Assault He’s driven for 10 years, but he’ll need to retire soon
due to chronic back and kidney problems. He’ll need
In May 2019, the ATU family mourned Thomas Dunn,
continuous, costly medical care for the rest of his life.
1593-Tampa, FL, a bus operator whose throat was slashed,
But under Trump’s tax bill, he won’t be able to deduct
who used his last breath to steer his vehicle to safety before
unreimbursed medical expenses exceeding 10% of
he bled to death in the drivers’ seat. We were shocked that
adjusted gross income. Talk about cruel!
the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) chose at that
same time to abandon their responsibility to stop assaults Jane, the rider, doesn’t fare any better. She could afford
against transit workers. to ride public transit because the law provided her with
a tax benefit for taking the bus to work. However,
Trump removed the option for employers to deduct
the cost of those benefits, so Jane’s boss pulled out
And if I’m President, I guarantee you that of the program. She may have to walk the five miles
to her job now. This not only affects her, but impacts
protection and support for transit workers ridership, farebox collection, service, and threatens
will be available.” transit jobs.
Under this obscene bill, the 1% get even richer through
massive corporate and estate tax giveaways, leaving the
rest of us behind.
Four years earlier, ATU led a Congressional effort to
secure language in the Fixing America’s Surface Joe Biden would roll back the tax cuts for high income
Transportation (FAST) Act, directing FTA to issue households and corporations. The top one percent
regulations to protect transit workers from assault. After of taxpayers (those with income above $400,000 per
four long years, during which countless drivers have year) would face the largest tax increase. Under the
been assaulted and killed, Donald Trump’s Department Biden plan, to take the burden off the middle class,
of Transportation said it was “unnecessary” to issue a about 72% of new tax revenue would come from the
rulemaking on transit worker assault. richest Americans.
12 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSITISSUE: Transit Funding Joe Biden is a lifelong champion of workers and organized
labor. He will increase workplace safety and health. He
Where would Biden spend the hundreds of billions of
will reinstate critical safety protections and ensure that all
dollars raised through his tax policy? Public transportation
OSHA officials understand the consequences of not having
would be a top priority.
safety standards in place. He will direct OSHA to expand
Biden’s Build Back America Better plan calls for millions enforcement and increase the number of its investigators.
of good, union jobs rebuilding America’s crumbling
Biden is proposing a plan to grow a stronger, more
infrastructure. Biden will provide every American city
inclusive middle class by strengthening unions and helping
of 100,000 or more, with high quality, zero-emissions
all workers bargain successfully for what they deserve.
public transportation.
As President, Joe Biden will:
In contrast, Donald Trump has tried to gut transit funding.
In his first three years in office, funding for highways, • Check the abuse of corporate power over
roads and bridges more than doubled at the expense of Labor and hold corporate executives personally
public transit. Trump cut multi-modal transit grants from accountable for violations of labor laws;
28% to 8.5%. His Department of Transportation shifted
hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants from • Encourage and incentivize unionization and
transit projects to rural roads. collective bargaining; and
Moreover, Trump’s FY 2020 budget proposed to slash • Ensure that workers are treated with dignity
funding for new transit projects by nearly 40%. The and receive the pay, benefits, and workplace
Administration has continuously targeted FTA’s “Capital protections they deserve.
Improvement Grant” program, which provides funding for Biden strongly supports the Protecting the Right to Organize
major new transit projects, like Phoenix’s South Central (PRO) Act, which promises to restore the power of workers
Light Rail (Local 1433) or Indianapolis’ Red Line bus to organize and negotiate on the job. The PRO Act would
rapid transit (Local 1070). impose appropriate financial penalties on companies that
break the law. The bill also prohibits employers from
forcing their employees to attend “captive audience”
ISSUE: Unions meetings whose sole purpose is to intimidate workers into
In 2018, in a sharply divided 5–4 decision, the U.S. Supreme voting against the union.
Court prohibited public sector unions from collecting
any fees from nonmembers. The Janus v. AFSCME case
overturned laws in the 22 states that had not adopted “right- CONCLUSION: Every vote counts
to-work” policies. Justice Neil Gorsuch cast the decisive fifth
Sometimes, in past elections, it’s been hard to find differences
vote in favor of killing public sector unions. Who appointed
between the candidates’ views on key pocketbook issues.
Gorsuch? Donald Trump, of course.
So, people simply vote for the person based on their views
While Trump tried to convince unions to support him in on social matters, like religion, or guns.
2016, a leaked White House memo outlines the President’s
Or they just stay home like they did in 2016. That election
true intentions – to destroy unions, get rid of worker
was effectively decided by 107,000 people throughout
protections, cripple workers’ ability to organize, and
Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania – a tiny portion of
increase profits for corporations.
the electorate. The world would be a much different place
The President hasn’t even nominated anyone to run the if just a few thousand more people had voted. Certainly,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more ATU members would be alive today.
which enforces workplace safety laws.
This year, not voting is not an option. We urge you to make
We’ve seen PPE shortages and outbreaks at numerous your decision based on your job and the health and safety
workplaces. The pandemic has already caused more illness of your family. If you are not registered, please do so
and death in a shorter period of time than any other health immediately. Vote as if your life depends on it – because
crisis since OSHA’s creation 50 years ago. it does. v
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 13School bus drivers prepare for opening challenges
School bus drivers across the U.S. and Canada are concerned Driver shortages
as education districts develop plans to keep students and
School systems across northeastern Ontario are facing
drivers safe. And, safety is not the only problem as some
a severe shortage of school bus drivers – 60% of whom
areas are experiencing a severe shortage of drivers.
are over 60. The reduced number of available operators
is causing school bus route cancellations and delays in
the province.
It’s been ‘rough’
Local President Michael Cordiello, 1181-New York, NY, New York school bus drivers are getting used to new
says it has been “rough” for him and his members since the procedures that limit buses to 25% capacity, and
pandemic started. “It is a new world, and we are going to be requirements that include daily disinfecting, masks for
learning as we go because there is no way to learn any other drivers and students, and proper air circulation. Cordiello
way in this situation,” Cordiello says. says that drivers will run front defrosters on high on the fresh
air cycle (not recycled air) and will open bus windows.
Cordiello also says that Local 1181 drivers will “work
hand-in-hand” with parents “to ensure them that they are
going to get a safe ride for their kids.” v
DONALD TRUMP CALLS VETERANS, ACTIVE MILITARY
‘LOSERS AND SUCKERS’
That’s right! Atlantic Magazine quoted four sources Cemetery near Paris in 2018, because he feared his
as saying that Donald Trump while standing outside hair would become disheveled in the rain.
a military cemetery called veterans and members of
On Veteran’s Day last year, the ATU said, “We
the Armed Services “losers” and “suckers.”
particularly thank our many ATU members who
In contrast, Joe Biden concluded his video address have served in our country’s armed forces. … Our
to the 2019 ATU International Convention saying: veterans embody exceptional character and integrity
“And I promise you, if I’m elected your President, that should be valued in our society.”
I will ensure that you are given the respect you
Send Donald Trump a message that we honor our
deserve. May God bless you. May God protect our
men and women in uniform for their service and
troops. Thank you.”
dedication to our country. Our veterans and service
The Atlantic article also alleged that President Trump men and women are heroes! v
canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American
Say NO to Donald Trump. Say YES to Joe Biden!
14 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSITATU Canada awards 2020
Marcel Malboeuf Scholarships
ATU congratulates the first three recipients of the Marcel Malboeuf Scholarships awarded by ATU Canada. A true
gentleman, Marcel, 279-Ottawa, ON, was one of the most committed, dedicated and loyal members of our Union.
A constant presence at International Conventions for many years as a Sergeant-at-Arms, Marcel touched the lives of many
ATU members and exemplified what our Union is all about.
Grace Matthews, 279-Ottawa, ON
Grace Matthews is enrolled in the University of Ottawa attending the Telfer School of Business
with a concentration in marketing. She has been involved in many activities meant to build
the community and strengthen leadership, whether it be through volunteer work or school
involvement. Her career goals are to head up an advertising department for a company and use
her creativity and leadership in her job.
Milena Djordjevic, 279-Ottawa,ON
Milena Djordjevic graduated from Brookfield High School in Ottawa as an honours student.
During grades 11 and 12, she contributed many hours to her school’s athletic department.
Djordjevic played a key role in her athletic leadership class and was the team captain for her
school’s tennis team. She also actively participated in the Red Dress Project at her school
to help raise awareness of the ongoing issue of murdered and missing indigenous women in
Canada. Djordjevic plans on attending the University of Ottawa and graduating with a degree
in Honours BSc in Biopharmaceutical Science in hopes of becoming a pharmacist.
Rose Gillam, 508-Halifax, NS
Rose Gillam is a recent high school graduate entering the first year of the political science
program at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. Over the past few years, she has volunteered
on political campaigns, holiday toy drives, and much more. Gillam is looking forward
to focusing on her studies while continuing to give back to the community and playing a
leadership role inside and outside of the classroom.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 15CANADIAN AGENDA
Why the U.S. election
matters to Canada
As neighbors, Canada and the United States are among Trump and the Republican grip on the White House?
the two most intertwined countries in the world. What are the implications for Canadians and union
The Canadian Labour Movement and the U.S. Labor members across Canada?
movement often face the same challenges and work
closely to fight for the rights and dignity of working
people and their families. With the presence of U.S.
Electoral prospects
manufacturing plants in Canada and Canadian exports
of unprocessed natural resources to the U.S. market, there During the Democratic presidential primary race, a
are no two countries in the world whose economies are number of progressives such as Senator Bernie Sanders
more integrated than Canada and the United States. pushed for policies such as universal healthcare and a
Green New Deal. While Joe Biden won the nomination,
his campaign has moved to embrace the progressive wing,
which is critical to building the kind of coalition that can
High stakes defeat Donald Trump.
This makes the U.S. presidential election high stakes for
Traditionally the ground game wins tight elections,
Canadians. On November 3, Donald Trump and Vice
but with the pandemic this election will be fought
President Mike Pence will be on the ticket versus former
online and on the airwaves. However, everyone will be
Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris. The
watching those battleground states that Trump narrowly
ATU was among the first unions to endorse Joe Biden for
won: Florida, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. That is why
President early in the primaries.
ATU is launching an aggressive campaign to get our
The outcome of this election will mean a lot for Canada. members in these key states and others to vote for the
What are the prospects for four more years of Donald Biden-Harris ticket.
Complete failure
The complete failure of the Trump Administration is
staggering. Over 200,000 Americans have died from
COVID-19, including more than 85 ATU sisters and
brothers.
Trump has declared war on working people by nominating
Supreme Court justices that sided with the majority in the
anti-union Janus decision. This decision was an attack on
union dues and the financial security of unions.
16 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSITThe Trump Administration has stepped up its campaign Attack on Canadian healthcare
of divide-and-conquer by using racism, sexism and
Four more years of Trump could mean a more aggressive
xenophobia to divide the working class.
attack on Canadian healthcare from south of the border.
The Trump Administration has led the American people Die-hard resistance to universal healthcare in the U.S. will
to complete ruin. penetrate the border eventually as giant health insurance
companies and for-profit health service providers hunt for
lucrative provincial contracts. This will have catastrophic
effects on the Canadian public.
Impact on Canada
Having someone like Trump in power emboldens
and strengthens the most far-right, anti-union U.S.
organizations. Canadian bosses are joining their American
The stakes for Canada
counterparts in adopting U.S. examples of union-busting To the extent that Canadians tie their wagon to resource
in order to increase their power here at home. The blueprint commodities and sign free trade agreements that promote
to disassemble labour rights is being exported to Canada. U.S. investment in the Canadian economy, Canada’s
economic woes and dependency will continue to deepen.
In Alberta, the United Conservative Party (UCP) has Canadians need to hope that Trump loses the election
passed a bill that attempts to bring US-style labour law if we are going to stem the tide of decline in terms of
reform to Canada. Bill 32 in Alberta now means workers labour law, our ability to fight bad bosses, and preserve our
have to wait up to six months for a union certification healthcare system. v
vote, up from a maximum of 21 days. This will give bosses
weeks to install union-busting campaigns and demoralize
workers fighting for a union contract.
Meanwhile, corporate donations have no such limit or
reporting and the UCP has increased municipal election
spending limits. Conservative premiers in Canada are
looking to adopt Trump’s labour policies and tilt the
playing field in favor of bosses.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 17ATU Canadian Locals
secure emergency
funding victory
ATU Canada and Canadian Locals secured a victory this Provinces must match federal funds
summer when the federal government agreed to provide
Finally, Trudeau announced that the Government would
$1.8 billion for public transit in its $19 billion COVID-19
provide $1.8 billion to public transit as part of its $19
emergency aid package. However, the funding comes with
billion coronavirus bailout package. Unfortunately, the
the condition that provinces equally match the federal transit funds were the only cohort of the funding that
transit dollars they receive. required matching provincial funds.
The victory was the result of a concerted campaign by ATU Funding for personal protective equipment, COVID-19
Canada and our Locals to pressure the Government into testing, long term care, healthcare, and childcare had no
reversing its decision not to aid public transit. strings attached. The arrangement lead to speculation that
the transit funding was set up in such a way that it would
not set a precedent.
Only the latest push for
operational funding
Long before COVID-19 threatened public transit, ATU
ATU takes fight to the provinces
Locals were advocating for ongoing operational funding As of this writing, only British Columbia, Nova Scotia,
of public transit from all levels of government. As the New Brunswick, and Ontario have asked for the matching
pandemic hit, the ATU aggressively campaigned for funds. The ATU is disappointed that Quebec and Alberta
emergency federal funding. are accepting only a portion of the available transit
funding. The prairie provinces, on the other hand, have
ATU Canada’s recent national poll found that 8 in 10 not yet announced their commitment.
Canadians surveyed support the federal government
Disturbingly, Newfoundland and Labrador provincial
providing $5 billion in emergency funding for public transit.
leaders elected to turn down the funding. The cost of those
Since March, the federal government shoveled bailout decisions, if left unchecked, could be catastrophic.
money to help individuals, small businesses, public services,
ATU Canada and Local 1462-St. John’s, NL, have
and corporations. The Government also freed up and
launched a public-facing advocacy campaign to pressure
expedited money from the gas tax fund for municipalities, elected officials of the province to reverse their decisions.
but when asked about public transit, Prime Minister
Trudeau consistently stated that his government would
support municipalities – but not with transit funding. Dedicated transit funding still critical
The federal government claimed transit was a provincial ATU Canada and our Locals recognize that the emergency
responsibility. While the ATU did not stop pressuring federal transit funding offer meets the acute, short-term
the federal government – it also targeted provinces, calling needs to help transit systems survive the pandemic. It does
on them to compensate transit agencies for all pandemic- not, however, provide the ongoing operational funding
related operating losses. In June, the ATU coordinated that will help transit thrive in the future. The onus to keep
a nationwide letter-writing campaign with community public transit operating falls on political leadership and the
transit allies directed at the provinces. ATU will continue that fight. v
18 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSITLOCALS FIGHT ON
FRONTLINES AGAINST
PANDEMIC
With the help of the International, Locals are fighting to
force transit properties to provide the safety, hazard pay
and other protections our members deserve during the
coronavirus pandemic:
Calgary members prepare for
student surge
Local 583-Calgary, AB, is pleased with the 95%
compliance with Calgary Transit’s mask requirement
during the day, but is concerned that “In the evening
Pittsburgh Local protests it seems like the masks drop off literally,” says Local
violation of free speech President Mike Mahar. With schools opening, Mahar
is wondering how drivers will enforce the 75% capacity
In an unprecedented act of repression and hypocrisy, rule. “If there are 50 students standing at a bus stop and
the Port Authority of Allegheny County has violated they start piling on it’s very difficult for that operator to
the Free Speech rights of their workers by issuing an say, ‘OK you stop here now.’”
amended dress code policy prohibiting buttons, stickers,
jewelry and clothing – including masks or other face
coverings – of a political or social protest nature. Two
Local 85-Pittsburgh, PA, drivers were disciplined for
Masks now mandatory on
wearing “Black Lives Matter” masks against the new Saskatoon buses
policy. “This is flat out censorship,” says Local President Masks are now mandatory on all Saskatoon (SK) Transit
Steve Palonis. buses, but operators will not be required to enforce the
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 19new rule. “Operators not enforcing it is great as it will notify workers after two coronavirus cases developed.
only cause conflict,” says Local President Darcy Pederson, Metro Transit says the agency follows Department of
615-Saskatoon, SK. City Hall will concentrate on Health protocols.
“educating and informing” the public while transit staff
will monitor compliance.
Bay Area Locals warn CA Bay Area’s
transportation commission
Atlanta Local secures hazard pay Bay Area Locals in California have warned the Metropolitan
Local 732-Atlanta, GA, has won hazard pay for bus drivers Transportation Commission that they will fight
in Cobb County, who were placed on leave in the early implementation of the agency’s “outrageous” coronavirus
days of the pandemic. Also, more than 250 Cobb County safety plan. The plan outlines basic safety guidelines
members, who worked through the pandemic were given an such as mask mandates, sanitation, and contact tracing,
one-time bonus of $500 per worker. In addition, the Local but recommends only 3-foot distancing with no stricter
has been working to secure hazard pay for MARTA workers. measures. “We refuse to continue to be your test subjects,”
says Local President Yvonne Williams, 192-Oakland, CA.
Grand Junction Local demands
GVT improve safety, account for
coronavirus dollars
Local 1776-Grand Junction, CO, is demanding that
Grand Valley Regional Transportation do more to protect
workers and riders, and account for how the agency is
spending their $5.4 million from the federal CARES Act.
“The passengers come on board, and our fare box is sitting
right here, and they can cough or sneeze right in our faces,”
says Local President Judi DeRusha.
Lexington Local pushes back against
lack of sanitization, overcrowding
Local 639-Lexington, KY, says University of Kentucky
buses are overcrowded and not properly sanitized as often
as the city’s buses. “Sometimes we have only one person
(to clean), but he can’t clean 15 buses that go different
routes,” says one driver. When the pandemic first hit and
Lextran wasn’t running full service, the Local worked
with the agency to have employees clean and sanitize
buses rather than lay them off. Now those drivers have
returned to work. “They said they were in the process of
hiring some people. They knew two months in advance
how they were going to schedule the runs; that was just ATU: Federal inaction cause of OTR woes
an excuse for them not to pay someone to do it,” says ATU is holding the U.S. federal government responsible
Local President Steven Richardson. for the collapse of motor coach companies by failing to
provide emergency funding for the industry. One of the
nation’s oldest OTR companies, DeCamp Bus Lines,
Twin Cities Local files COVID-19 complaint has shut down and laid off over 100 members of Local
Local 1005-Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, has filed a complaint 1614-Dover, NJ. Greyhound has laid off thousands of
with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Local 1700 members. ATU continues to push Congress to
alleging Metro Transit failed to follow safety protocols and provide emergency funding for over-the-road operators. v
20 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSITMBER OUR FALLEN
REME
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, ATU mourns the deaths
of those members who put their lives on the line as essential frontline
workers during this global crisis. We send our deepest sympathies and
condolences to their families, extended families, friends, their locals,
and all who knew them. Below we honor our members lost to this
deadly virus since the last In Transit was published.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 2122 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSIT
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 23
24 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSIT
AC Transit Mechanic Helper Program:
Members climb the career ladder
International President John Costa named Jamaine
Gibson, Local 265-San Jose, CA, Coordinator of the
ATU Workforce Development Program, to assist Locals
with workforce development and apprenticeship programs.
Recently the International supported Local 192-Oakland,
CA, in starting a new Mechanic Helper Program that they
negotiated with AC Transit in 2016. The AC Transit Joint
Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) noticed some applicants
struggled in the first months of the apprenticeship and
often dropped out.
Mechanic Helper graduates and labor/management team.
The International connected Local 192 and AC Transit Photo credit: California Transit Works © 2020
with California Transit Works! (CTW), a consortium of
transit agencies, transit unions, and community colleges
focused on transit workforce development. “Thank you to you all who helped put it together and make
us ready to be apprentice mechanics,” he added, echoing
his fellow Local 192 mechanic apprentice graduates Illiyas
One-year program Kohgadai, Edward Rodgers, and Ted White.
They learned from CTW members of Local 265, Santa Clara
VTA maintenance trainers, and educators who designed the
VTA Mechanic Helper career ladder program. Laying the foundation
“On behalf of the ATU International and International
That lead to Local 192 and AC Transit’s labor/management
President John Costa, I would like to congratulate you on
partnership developing a one-year Mechanic Helper
your accomplishments,” said Gibson, who attended the
Program, which officially kicked off on July 8, 2019.
zoom graduation.
Gustavo Vasquez, Local 192 apprentice mentor at AC
“Thank you for your commitment to finishing the
Transit, describes Mechanic Helper as a “career ladder
program,” he added. “Also thank you for laying the
program – a 12-month program that consists of formal
foundation for all the new ATU mechanics that will follow
in-classroom training” and shop floor work, where the
in your footsteps. I would also like to say thank you to
mechanic helpers go out with journey-level mechanic
ATU 192 and AC Transit. Your partnership goes to show
“guides” to the divisions and perform job duties.
that when you develop and work on your relationship,
The journey-level guides included Local 192 members of there’s nothing you can’t do – even in the pandemic.” v
the JAC and other experienced mechanics.
If you are interested in your Local starting workforce
development and apprenticeship programs, please contact
your Local officers.
‘I’ve learned a lot’
On August 20, 2020, four Local 192 members were the
first to graduate from the Mechanic Helper Program at AC
Transit. “I’ve learned a lot, I’ve grown a lot, I’ve seen a lot of
growth and learning from the other guys too,” said graduate
and former AC Transit service worker Jacob Takahashi.
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 25A M A LG A M AT E D T R A N S I T U N I O N
Top Senate Picks
ALABAMA ARIZONA
Doug Jones Mark Kelly
“Now more than ever, we understand the “The men and women of ATU are essential
hard work and dignity of our “essential to our state’s economy and do the important
workers” including those in public transit who keep us work of supporting working Arizonians every single day, even
moving every day. I stopped cuts to transportation spending, during this crisis. Investing in improving our infrastructure and
and as a member of the Banking Committee, I’ll always public transit in particular are key to creating good-paying jobs
support working people.” and rebuilding a stronger economy for the future.”
dougjones.com markkelly.com
COLORADO GEORGIA
John Hickenlooper Jon Ossoff
“When I was mayor we brought people “I’ll push for an unprecedented American
together to build FastTracks, the most infrastructure program that includes big,
ambitious infrastructure project in Colorado. We’ll need that overdue investments in transportation and transit. I want to
same ambition and bipartisanship in Washington to build express my gratitude to all the transit workers who have kept
our country back after the pandemic better than before by the trains, buses, streetcars, and subways running safely and
investing in infrastructure, increasing funding for public on time during this crisis.”
transit, and delivering for Coloradans.”
electjon.com
hickenlooper.com
IOWA
GEORGIA Theresa Greenfield
Raphael Warnock
“Our public transit employees are essential
“During this pandemic, we’ve seen and they deserve essential protections. In
essential workers -- everyday people, our the Senate, I’ll honor their hard work by fighting for safe working
friends, our family, our neighbors -- step up in unimaginable conditions, fair pay, quality health care and expanded job
ways to keep our country running. And right here in Georgia, opportunities, while investing in the essential workers and
where public transit systems like MARTA and the city buses services that keep our communities running.”
keep millions of Georigans going, funding for our public
greenfieldforiowa.com
transit workers is more important than ever.”
warnockforgeorgia.com
26 July - August - September 2020 | IN TRANSITKANSAS KENTUCKY
Barbara Bollier Amy McGrath
“Public transit is an essential service for “Public transit is a vital service for
thousands of Kansans, and the workers Kentuckians, and transit workers are
who make sure these key systems function day-in and day- essential to keeping our communities running smoothly. I was
out are indispensable. As a U.S. Senator, I promise to bring proud to stand with Amalgamated Transit Union members
members of the ATU to the table, listen to their needs, and be recently in Louisville, where they were advocating for their
the advocate these Kansans deserve in Washington.”
basic right to a safe workplace. In the Senate, I will put
bollierforkansas.com working folks first, ...and never allow our essential workers to
go without the resources they need to do their job safely.”
amymcgrath.com
MAINE
Sara Gideon
“Across our state, Mainers rely on public MICHIGAN
transportation in their daily lives. I will fight Gary Peters
to make sure these services are available and robust, and that
the proud employees - bus drivers, train engineers, conductors, ferry “Now more than ever, access to reliable
pilots and support workers - are respected and paid their worth.” public transit is critical to both our
economy and the livelihoods of Michiganders. That means
saragideon.com
investing in strong, quality public transit infrastructure
and supporting our frontline workers who keep the system
running every day. I am committed to supporting our
MONTANA essential transit workers and will continue fighting to ensure
Steve Bullock they have the necessary personal protection equipment and
resources to do their job.”
“Essential workers put their personal safety
at risk to keep life moving for the rest of petersformichigan.com
us, and it’s critical that we continue to push for the protections,
benefits, and equipment they need to stay healthy. I’ve spent my
career first as a union-side labor lawyer and now as Governor
fighting to protect the rights of working Montanans.” MINNESOTA
stevebullock.com Tina Smith
“Amalgamated Transit Union workers
help provide safe transport for people
NORTH CAROLINA every day. I believe that investing in public transit means jobs
Cal Cunningham for essential workers, and it ensures that public transportation
can continue to operate safely and efficiently so that people
“I support a substantial federal investment
can get to where they need to go.”
to improve our country’s infrastructure.....
This investment must also create good-paying jobs, make
America a leader in the clean energy economy of the future, tinaforminnesota.com
and help bring rural communities into the 21st century by
expanding broadband. I also support expanding access to public
transportation, especially to underserved communities.”
calfornc.com
IN TRANSIT | www.atu.org 27You can also read
