My 60th ATU Convention Full Report: Good, Bad and Ugly

I found the ATU Convention to be an enlightening, but horrendously expensive experience. 

Yeah, I had to blow a couple hundred of my own money. But it was especially expensive for the members of ATU Local 308. Not just for accommodating and paying me for time released from work, but for travel as well.

So I made sure to report everything possible—and represent the members' will when I had to vote. Although very few actually completed the poll for the various bylaws and resolutions, I made every effort to notify and abide by their will using the online poll. You can also view the official ATU PDF of the resolutions here.

Everything you see in this article is based on my interactive journal at a Facebook Group I created for my union steward activity (You will need to join the group in order to view the journal—which is actually a chat group). There are some things there that I did not include in this report.

The Good

I met some fascinating human beings. Not some six-digit-salaried sellouts who walked around the convention with a security force. I mean real people who help the members fight back—and not help their employer punish them!

When we shared stories, they were appalled at how badly the ATU Chicago leadership treats us. “Man, I thought we had it bad!” they would tell me. 

I met one Local president who actually made sure the members did not work until the employer met their demands for safe working conditions. He frequently threatens the boss with collective action. 

By speaking up about resolutions, I was able to inspire others. They approached me and expressed gratitude. Some shared stories of victory, offered insight of how their Local operates and shared support for all of us that have suffered under the corrupt ATU Chicago misleadership.

Although there was no talk about strikes, other than the removal of requiring Locals to use arbitration before striking and increasing strike benefits to $400 per week—which was great—delegates were happy to accept a Railroad Workers United strike sticker! 

I met a brother named Montigue Magruder who shared all of my interests regarding Revolutionary Unionism and I nominated him for the AFL-CIO delegation the following day. He lost. However, I was so happy to meet someone that cared about the members—and the communities we serve. 

Later, I learned that my nomination—and his acceptance—put the political brinkmanship between Local 689 and others in jeopardy. I angered alot of people—and so did he. I consider that a win! The game of politricks in ATU has nothing to do with Truth and the spirit of People versus Power.

Ironically, Local 241 President Keith Hill was also nominated for that spot. Thank God, he lost to someone from the eastern United States. He was so mad, he pulled the whole ATU Chicago delegation out. This proved he and the delegates do not care about serving the membership—only about controlling us.

The ATU history exhibits were very insightful. That is the accepted history. There must be even more we can learn from that are buried in the archives. View photos of the hallway exhbit (and other things) at this link.

The Bad

The most atrocious offense was the 30% raise that the International Vice Presidents wanted. At first it was an 18% raise. But somehow they changed it right as the convention started. Myself and two or three other delegates protested against it. We got plenty of jeers and dirty looks. After a questionable voice vote, International President John "The King" Costa had lunch-break regrets and said he was dropping it back to 18%.

"We didn't ask for 30%" he said. Well, I wonder who did?

It is still too much. 

Despite us delegates each receiving a $400 iPad Mini in a very expensive tote bag, all of the voting was done either by voice or paper ballot. It was an absolute disaster. The process took hours upon hours. The voice votes were manipulated too.

The Ugly

The ATU Chicago delegation worked tirelessly to block elected delegate and Executive Board Member, Erek Slater, from receiving compensation, accommodations and credentials. They won. They also tried to have me removed from the convention. The ATU Human Resources manager and some sergeant-at-arms had a talk with me about "badgering" delegates and being in "unauthorized places."

There was definitely a palpable fear for associating with me. In one case, a delegate said repeatedly that "my union will kill me" if they see me talking to you. I chuckled and he looked at me without smiling: "I am serious, brother."

No matter how I tried, I was unable to read charges against International President John "The King" Costa. I submitted them in March as per the Constitution. I resubmitted to the Resolution Committee. I tried to read them at the microphone. 

Because of my outspokenness, I was followed by ATU Sergaent-At-Arms everywhere in the convention area. It was truly annoying, but flattering. I helped them stay fit that week!

Conclusion

My mission as your delegate was accomplished. I represented your interests, paid the price of being a non-conformist and exposed our union for its blatant financial malfeasance and corruption. Ultimately, we are responsible for the mess. Until more of us exercise our duty to hold our leadership accountable—and replace them when they betray us—the ATU will eventually be destroyed.

If the members of Local 308 nominate and elect me for president in 2023, you all can be assured that my habit of sharing information—and making you the director in my actions—will continue. A printable version of this report is available here.

If you are Facebook and want to see the ATU become a real democratic union, join the ATU For Democracy group. Network with those who believe in freedom of expression and member-control of the union. 

Please post your questions and comments. 

Enjoy this playlist of 36 videos from the convention (below):