About ATU

WHAT IS THE ATU?

The ATU – Amalgamated Transit Union – is an organization of employees of transit workers in the United States and Canada dedicated to advancing the interests of its members and their families. ATU Local 694 was organized in February 1916. ATU Local 694 represents over 1,000 members in San Antonio . It is recognized as the representative agent for VIA employees in the Paratransit, Bus Operations and maintenance department.

WHAT DOES THE UNION DO?

The primary job of the union is to negotiate a working agreement with VIA. This is a contract which establishes wages, working conditions and other benefits for all hourly employees at VIA. The union also protects workers’ rights by representing them with regard to day-to-day problems on the job such as discipline, violations of seniority, harassment, discrimination, or other management abuse. Additionally, ATU address other workplace concerns such as safety and health and the impact of technological change.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BELONGING?

Membership in ATU gives you a voice in determining your future. Members have the right to participate in local meetings, to vote for local officers, to vote on the contract, and to run for office. Other membership benefits include:

• In Transit monthly magazine about issues and programs affecting transit employees.
• Become a member of Division 694 Motor Coach Employees Credit Union of over two million dollars organized by union members.
• Scholarships – annual college scholarships awarded to outstanding high school seniors of ATU members.

WHO CAN JOIN? 

ATU membership is open to any hourly paid employee of VIA regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, handicap, political affiliation, age or religion. Hourly employees considered management and those in supervisory or management positions cannot join.

WHO RUNS THE UNION?

You, the members do. Every level of ATU operates democratically on the principle of majority rule. Members have a free voice and vote to express their views in the union. All local officers are elected by the members. Members also ratify the Working Agreement and elect delegates to the National Convention.

The Convention, which convenes every three years, is the highest governing body in the union. Between conventions, the National Executive Board directs union policy and programs.

HOW IS ATU STRUCTURED?  

ATU operates on several levels. Most members belong to a local union with jurisdiction in their city, town or area. Locals elect their own officers and conduct their own day-to-day business. They may establish local dues and may negotiate a local Working Agreement on certain local concerns.

Nationally, ATU maintains a headquarters in Washington , DC to administer the union and to implement programs and policies mandated by the convention and the National Executive Board. The national resident officers include the president, executive vice-president, the secretary-treasurer, national division officers and department directors and officers, all of whom work under the general supervision of the president.

HOW ARE OFFICERS ELECTED? 

Union officers are elected by the membership every three (3) years.

HOW MUCH ARE DUES?  

Dues are very reasonable and vary from local to local. They include national dues established by the National Convention and local dues determined by your local union.

After you’ve joined ATU, dues are automatically deducted from your pay check. Your steward or local officer can tell you the cost of dues; or, if you are a member, you can check your pay stub.

HOW ARE MY DUES SPENT?  

Dues pay for all the operating expenses of the union, including contract negotiations and grievance handling. Members’ dues also cover the cost of publications, legal fees, legislative activities, education and training, and community service programs.

Dues also go to pay per capital for the local to belong to the San Antonio AFL-CIO, Texas AFL-CIO, Texas Legislative Conference and Death Benefit Fund.

DO I GET TO VOTE ON THE WORKING AGREEMENT? 

Yes. A negotiated Working Agreement becomes valid only on approval by the membership. After the local’s Executive Board reaches agreement with VIA, a special meeting is called for members to review the proposed Agreement.

SUPPOSE I HAVE A GRIEVANCE? 

If you have a grievance – you believe that management has violated your rights or subjected you to harassment, violated the Working Conditions, or discrimination – you should immediately talk to your union representative about the problem. The union representative will determine whether a violation has occurred and will try to reach a settlement with your immediate supervisor. If this effort fails, the union can appeal management’s action to a higher level.

IS ATU AFFILIATED WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?

Yes. ATU is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), a federation of 72 national unions with a combined membership of 13 million workers.

The ATU Retired Chapter was organized in December 1981. The ATU Retired Chapter is made up of former active members who retire after being employed at VIA. When you retire, you have the option of being a member of the Retired Chapter who are governed by their own Executive Board. Retiree Chapter meetings are held on a quarterly basis at the Local 694 Union Hall at1901 N. Flores.

IS ATU INVOLVED IN LEGISLATION AND POLITICS?

Because legislation has an important impact on our members, the union is definitely involved in legislative matters. ATU maintains a very effective legislative program. The Texas Legislative Board monitors legislation being considered by state legislators that will have an impact on ATU members and their families. In Texas , ATU COPE – the Committee on Political Education – raises voluntary contributions to assist the campaigns of friendly legislators and to defeat those who consistently oppose us.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE UNION ?

You can stay informed by going to union meetings and participating in the activities of your local. Remember, that as a member you have an equal voice and vote with all other members. You local officers and representative can answer questions you may have about specific union programs and policies. Additionally, reading local and national union publications such as In Transit Magazine and Local 694 Newsletters, will keep you informed about your union. You can also check the International Site.

I’M NOT A MEMBER YET. HOW DO I JOIN?

Ask your union representative for an application. Part must be completed by you and part by the local. Your union dues will automatically be deducted from your pay check. You can get more information from your union representative. If your work hours keep you from getting union information, contact your union representative or call the union office at 210-733-6326.

AS A MEMBER, WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP THE UNION ? 

It is important to keep in mind that YOU are the union; members are the lifeblood of ATU. The best way to improve the union is to get involved. In addition to attending monthly union meetings, consider joining a committee, working to organize non-members, becoming a union representative and volunteering to help in union activities. Your union brothers and sisters will appreciate your participation.

Three union meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 9:30 AM, 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Meetings are held at the Union Hall at 1901 N. Flores Street.