ATU Local 1001 President Ready to Build on Organizing Victories

ATU Local 1001 President Holman Carter

Mike Cerbo, executive director of the Colorado AFL-CIO, recently talked with Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1001 President Holman Carter. ATU, which represents drivers, mechanics and others, won a critical organizing victory at the last of the three private firms contracted by the public Rapid Transit Development (RTD). The nearly 300 workers voted to form a union this month and follow other victories that will strengthen Local 1001 in contract negotiations later this year. 

Cerbo: Tell us about what we can expect from ATU in Labor 2008?

Carter: This year, our focus at ATU is really worksite contact with our 2,500 members, with an issue focus on health care, Employee Free Choice Act, and [right to] work for less [attacks]. This year, we are starting earlier than ever and we are really deepening the one-on-one contact. [Anti-worker advocates are circulating petitions to get a so-called right to work initiative on the November ballot in Colorado. Such laws limit workers' rights to collectively bargain contracts, including wages and benefits. In 2004, average pay in so-called "right to work" states was 14.4 percent lower than in states where workers have the freedom to form strong unions.] 

We will also continue our local union mail program and participate in walks and phone banks. We are going to continue to chase all mail with phone calls….Finally, I have a goal of 100 percent registration among all our members. 

Cerbo: What will ATU’s response be to defeat Work for Less? 

Carter: This is a very important fight and because we are starting so early, I think the results are going to be very good. We sent folks to the AFL-CIO training in November, which is earlier than we’ve ever started before. 

Cerbo: What are your goals on ATU member recruitment? 

Carter: First, we have set the bar at 100 percent voter registration in our local. We’ve started Labor 2008 earlier than ever and continue to involve more people into the process than any previous campaign.

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