Feb 2026 Bulletin
December Election Results
Elections were held in December for the January 2026 through December 2028 Officers and Executive Board members from all 5 properties.
Jaswinder Bains was elected to the office of the President/Business Agent. Jas has been with Community Transit as a Coach Operator for 19 years, and was a member of the Executive Board for the last 3 years.
VP Lela Perkins and Recording Secretary Risë Gamble were both re-elected.
Dan Harlan was elected as our new Financial Secretary/Treasurer. Dan has been a Coach Operator for 7+ years. He has also worked extensively with ARCAT representing members. And he admits that he is an avowed tech nerd.
We also have several new Executive Board members.
Community Transit: Chris Facey, Maria Loaiza, Tadesse Yeglatu and Rachel Villa join returning members Max Lall and Eric Sullivan.
Tim Orr is joining Island Transit with returning member Susan Lien. Heidi Kelly was elected to join Steve Short and Kevin Cox, representing Transdev Lakewood. Transdev Everett and Transdev Dart re-elected their previous board members.
Your officers and Executive Board members were sworn in at the January Charter meeting by International Vice President Michael Cornelius.
President Bains and Financial Secretary Harlan will be in Washington D.C. for their formal training February 22 through the 28th.
Barrier Doors Update
The procurement team met February 3 and reported that they are back on track, with the schedule to have the demo door installed by mid March. They believe the project will be completed by the end of 2026. Vice President Lela Perkins is representing the ATU and our members on this committee.
A Letter from Dave Thompson:
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As I prepare to retire from my role as Financial Secretary/Treasurer of ATU Local 1576, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for the trust you have placed in me over these past years. To be entrusted with your livelihood and the stewardship of our union’s funds has been the greatest honor of my professional life.
Throughout my tenure, I have sought to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and integrity. Every audit completed, every report delivered, and every initiative undertaken has been guided by a single principle: that our union exists to serve and protect its members. I am proud of the progress we have made together, from strengthening our financial health to advancing workplace safety and advocating for fairness on behalf of our brothers and sisters.
I would also like to acknowledge the dedicated officers and Executive Board members who have stood alongside me. Their leadership, wisdom, and commitment have been essential to the strength of our Local. No one serves alone, and I am grateful for the collaboration and solidarity that has defined our work together
This Local is strong because of you — your solidarity, your commitment, and your belief in the power of collective action. As I step aside, I do so with confidence that our union will continue to thrive under your vigilance and dedication.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you. I will always carry with me the pride of having stood alongside such hardworking members.
In solidarity,
Dave Thompson
Financial Secretary/Treasurer (Retired)
Please text ATU1576
to 47400 for important updates!
2025 Community Transit Award Recipients
ATU Local 1576 would like to congratulate the 2025 Award recipients:
2025 Excellence Award:
- Jennie Barrett, Ride Store
- Inder Sharma, Training
- Brynna Holcomb, Dispatch
- Verona Stevens, Service Ambassador
- Adam Lehr, Coach Operator
- Rebecca May, Coach Operator
Transportation Employee of the Year:
- Jesse Owens, Coach Operator
Board Chair Award:
- Jesse Heck, Dispatch
Congratulations!!
Our Next Charter Meeting Will Be:
March 15th at 13:00 and March 17th at 10:00
Everett Labor Temple