WASHINGTON, June 17 - The Amalgamated Transit Union Executive Board Has Unanimously Voted to Endorse Sen. Barack Obama for President, the Union Announced.
"While the ATU originally supported Hillary Clinton, we recognize how important this election year is. John McCain represents more of the same anti-worker, anti-union policies that we have suffered under for eight years.
"Senator Obama has shown through this historic campaign that he has a vision for a better America; a stronger, safer, more secure nation, where all will prosper and none will be left behind," said ATU President Warren S. George.
"On issues near and dear to transit employees nationwide, Barack Obama has pledged to provide tax relief to millions of working class Americans, to support continued transit employee protections and transit funding, while working with Congress to eliminate poverty, reduce unemployment and restore economic prosperity. His plan for a better America includes assurances that each citizen will be treated with dignity and respect.
"Senator Obama has shown more than any other candidate in recent history the ability to unite and inspire Americans, and has mobilized and energized millions of citizens new to the political process.
"As a community organizer in the blue-collar streets of Chicago, Obama fought to train community leaders; and emerged as a strong leader, eminently qualified to lead our nation forward and to restore our status in the international community.
"We are proud to endorse Senator Barack Obama for president. He will work to improve the quality of life of transit employees across the nation, as well as all Americans from all backgrounds. Our great nation will surely prosper under his guidance and leadership, and the ATU is eager to work with him to advance and improve America."
"I'm honored to receive the ATU's endorsement," said Senator Obama. "Their leaders and members are committed to hardworking Americans, and I look forward to fighting with them for the causes that unite us: a 21st century infrastructure, worker protections, the right to organize, affordable health care for all who want it, and an economy that works for all. I thank them for standing with me, and I will stand with them when I am President."
Founded in 1892, the ATU is the largest labor organization representing transit employees in North America. With over 185,000 members throughout 46 states and nine provinces in Canada, the ATU represents bus drivers, light rail operators, maintenance and clerical personnel and other transit and municipal employees.
