Amalgamated Transit Union
The Amalgamated Transit Union is the largest labor organization representing transit workers in North America. Founded in 1892, the ATU today is comprised of over 200,000 members across the USA and Canada.
Composed of bus drivers, light rail operators, maintenance and clerical personnel and other transit and municipal employees, the ATU works to promote transit issues and fights for the interests of its hard-working members. Read more about the International Organization here.
How it began for Local 569…
In 1911, 569 became members of the International Union and we were known as Division 569 of the Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Employees of America.
That same year we began our relationship as a Civic Union with the City of Edmonton who owned and operated the Radial Railway.
The rate for an operator was 27.5 cents per hour and it took three years to reach the top rate of 37.5 cents per hour. In 1998, the Civic Unions and the City developed the Working Relationship Agreement. The agreement provides the Unions and the City openness and transparency in their daily business relationships.
Many things have changed over the years such as equipment, the schedules are tighter and routes are interlined. But the commitment to our roles has never changed. Our members ensure that we are well trained, the equipment is clean, safe, road worthy and we provide service to the public safely and professionally.
Here is a short video of one of our first female bus operators along with others from our 2022 retirement banquet!