Memorial: the ATU, Family and Friends Remember Our Nine Local 265-San Jose, CA Brothers, Speak Truth to Power
On Sunday, July 18, ATU members from around the U.S. and Canada gathered at the San Jose SAP Center to honor our nine Local 265-San Jose, CA, brothers killed in the tragic shooting on May 26, 2021. The day began with a solemn procession of VTA and other transit agencies’ buses escorted by police and first responders past the Center with #VTAFAMILY adorning the front and sides of the bus displays. Inside the Center, the day of remembrance opened to the sound of Amazing Grace by the sheriff’s department’s pipe and drum corps. Shooting survivor and Local 265 President John Courtney courageously took the stage to speak about his nine fallen brothers, each one he knew personally, and to call out the failure of the VTA to learn from the tragedy.
“To this point from that tragic day, there have been no substantive changes. That is not how you honor nine brothers who gave their lives to their company,” said Courtney. “It can’t be swept under the rug any longer. If we don’t do something about the way VTA management handles our people, nothing will change.” International President John Costa, introduced by Courtney as the rock of the ATU, went on to confront the VTA and called on them to respect the families of the victims, not just in words but in action. “John’s words are challenging, and I challenge you to do something different than you did at the beginning,” said Costa. “You know to shut off someone’s benefits after they’ve been killed in a public service is not right,” Costa continued to a round of applause. The demand for the VTA to do better was echoed by the victims’ families as they reflected on their loved one’s lives that were taken too soon. The two-and-a-half-hour event was heartbreaking, with speaker after speaker asking how a tragedy like this could happen.
John Courtney, President, Local 265-San Jose, CA and ATU International President John A. Costa
Although critical of the VTA, Courtney thanked them for the memorial and the show of unity with the bus procession. “But it’s not enough,” he said. “Not nearly enough.” v
IN TRANSIT
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