ATU LOCALS
HOLDING THE LINE Despite the challenges of this year, our Locals continued to hold the line. Nobody said it would be easy, but our Locals have shown great strength and solidarity by fighting for well-deserved hazard pay, transit funding, pay increases, safer buses, an end to service cuts, and more. Here are some of their stories.
Local 1447-Louisville, KY, secures hazard payment for workers After petitioning the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) in August, Local 1447-Louisville, KY, has successfully won hazard pay for hundreds of its members, who have worked during the pandemic. The TARC board, which approved the Local’s request, authorized any employees who worked more than 1,500 hours between March of 2020 and March of 2021 to be paid $3,000. Thanks to the Local, members will now be recognized for the critical role they played at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. TARC Executive Director, Carrie Butler, recognized union members for their sacrifices and the role the Local played in securing the much-deserved pay. “I am pleased the ATU and TARC management have been able to reach this agreement and continue working together to provide reliable, safe, and efficient transportation to our community,” said Butler.
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Local 569-Edmonton, AB, mobilization to elect former member Mayor key to city reversing plan to outsource 100 cleaner jobs After mobilizing their members to elect former bus operator Amarjeet Sohi as Mayor, Local 569-Edmonton, AB, helped save the jobs of 100 ATU members in transit cleaning and refueling service from being outsourced. The Local says the city has finally recognized the value of its cleaning and refueling staff. “I am very, very proud of our membership for standing up and standing proud and together. They did the job,” said Local President Steve Bradshaw. “The cancelling of the requests for proposals and the idea of contracting out that work is a win-win for everybody,” he added. “It’s good for the city, good
October - November - December 2021 | IN TRANSIT
