Welcome to ATU Local 689.

For years we have driven buses along the same roads and worked in the same garages, but the companies kept us apart. We have done the same work, but received different pay. We had separate strikes, but walked the same picket lines. We had different local unions, but our issues were the same.

Both ATU Local 689 and Local 1764:

• were fighting against privatization and low-bid private contractors.

• were fighting for a fair shot at retirement for our members.

• were fighting for fair treatment on the job and respect.

• were fighting for safety and decent working conditions.

• were fighting to turn transit jobs into transit careers.

• were fighting to empower working people everywhere.

• were organizing to bring new transit workers into the labor movement.

It was always the same fight. Now, with all of us united into one union local of the Amalgamated Transit Union, we have the power and ability to win this fight. So what comes next? We will fight to make sure that EVERY transit worker in this region has wages that can support a family, a path to retirement, rights and protections on the job, and power in their workplace and community. Until we've won that, we have more work to do. That's what Local 689 is all about. If you agree with that, then you'll fit in great at Local 689.

This newsletter is our way of trying to introduce you to Local 689 and help you to learn how we do things. Only these first few pages have been changed and then the remainder of March's 689 Informer is published in full for you to read. Obviously, we're still in the middle of a pandemic so many things still haven't returned to how they normally work, but we hope that this newsletter is informative. Pay close attention to the page featuring how to subscribe to union publications. If you ever have any questions, never hesitate to call the union hall and we'll do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help you. Together we fight, together we win.

Sincerely,

Raymond Jackson