Silver Spring, MD - Recognizing the need for a candidate who stands for working families, can beat Donald Trump and restore civility and respect for the United States, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) General Executive Board voted to endorse Joe Biden for President. The vote came after an extensive poll of ATU membership to evaluate the entire field of presidential candidates and the issues important to them.



The ATU is the largest union representing transit employees in North America, including workers in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City, and Waterloo in Iowa.



“Joe Biden has been a true champion of working Americans throughout his career,” said ATU International President John A. Costa. “We know he will fight to rebuild the middle class by restoring the rights of Labor, advancing racial justice and equity, and bolstering our economy through unprecedented investment in public services like transit.



“During his more than 40 years in the United States Senate, and as Vice President during the most pro-transit Administration in history, Joe has proven through his actions – not just words – that he believes in the critical role public transit plays in boosting our economy, providing access to jobs and improving communities.



“Just a few days ago, the House Democrats unveiled a massive $760 billion infrastructure plan to rebuild our country and transportation systems. Joe Biden is the leader to pull this initiative across the finish line. He is also a strong supporter of the Transit Worker and Pedestrian Protection Act, critical legislation to protect transit workers from vicious attacks – a national epidemic.



“Known for his compassion for working families, he possesses an unwavering commitment for fighting for the right to collectively bargain to secure fair wages, health care and retirement security for all workers,” Costa continued.



“Joe has shown strong support for the issues that our members care about,” Costa said. “When our members – bus drivers in Northern Virginia – recently won an 84-day strike against a multinational private transit company, he said, ‘Selling off public services to private interests at the expense of workers and their communities should be a non-starter’.”



ATU will be recommending that members vote for Biden in the primaries and caucuses. The Union also plans to mobilize members across the country in support of Biden’s campaign.



“This is a pivotal moment in U.S. history and our nation needs a leader that will bring back respect, dignity, and civility to our country. Joe Biden is the right person for working people and America,” said Costa.



The Amalgamated Transit Union – the largest labor union representing transit and allied workers in the U.S. and Canada – fights for the interests of its hard-working members and promotes mass transit. Founded in 1892, the ATU today is comprised of more than 200,000 members, including: metropolitan, interstate, and school bus drivers; paratransit, light rail, subway, streetcar, and ferry boat operators; mechanics and other maintenance workers; station agents, clerks, baggage handlers, municipal employees and others. ATU has more than 250 Locals in 44 U.S. states and the District of Columbia and nine Canadian provinces.