June 2025 Bulletin

ATU International Honors Retiree Darrell Johnson:

When Darrell Johnson came to Community Transit in 2002, he had no idea how integral he would become to our local, and now he is being honored by the International: Darrell will be the Sergeant at Arms at this year’s Convention in New York City!

Prior to Joining CT, Darrell served in the US Army, and then drove a school bus in Seattle, so he had his CDL when he applied.

Darrell has always loved to drive and loves the customer service aspect of his job. He also loved serving in the capacity of In-Service Route Instructor, and as an Instructor in the Training Department before coming back to driving.

You won’t be surprised to learn that he is a Million Mile Driver. But you might be surprised to learn that he was

wrongfully terminated! The union fought and won his job back with full back pay. He then ran for and served as an Executive Board Officer until he retired in 2022.

Congratulations, Darrell, on being selected for this honor!

(BTW, the International is paying all his expenses! Wow!)

CT Barrier Doors Update: Vision Systems Canada presented an initial design to the Barrier Door committee. While the committee is bound by a non-disclosure agreement regarding the design, they were happy with the design and the timeline. More updates to follow.

WHAT HAS ATU BEEN UP TO LATELY?!

Great question. Your ATU 1576 officers have had a very busy several months. Let’s look at a few of their accomplishments:

Northwest Conference President Julien, VP Perkins, Financial Secretary-Treasurer Thompson, and Recording Secretary Gamble, along with Executive Board Members Jaswinder Bains, William Love, Eric Sullivan (CT); Kevin Cox, Steve Short (Transdev Lakewood); Steve Becker, Gretchen Palmer (Transdev Everett); and Susan Lien (Island Transit) attended the Northwest Conference in Spokane. For most of the Executive Board Officers, this was their first opportunity to attend a conference and meet other officers. William Love said it was enlightening to hear the issues the other locals are dealing with, and the solutions they’ve come up with. They heard speakers discuss resources for mental health and stress related conditions; successful field organization campaigns; and mentorship programs. Lastly, all the Locals reported on issues within their locals, their triumphs, and their struggles. It was very informative and uplifting.
Negotiations President Julien, along with Executive Board Member Sharon Thea Parker, continues to work with Transdev Dart to finalize their contract.
Community Transit Working with the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, President Julien has finalized the dates and ground rules for negotiations. She has been meeting with the bargaining committee and all the classifications to ensure their needs are addressed. President Julien is determined to have open and transparent negotiations and to update the membership after each meeting. Stay tuned for more updates.
Transdev Everett: The transition from Transdev Everett has officially begun. Thus far, 8 coach operators have joined Community Transit. Welcome!
Committee Elections: Please vote (as a member in good standing) for the Budget, By-Laws, and Election Committees on Monday, June 30th, 2025. Per the By-Laws, the Election and Budget Committees are allowed
1 member per property. The By-Laws Committee has proportional representation, 1 member per 50, up to 6. Lastly, if you intend to run for an office (Executive Board or Officer) in December 2025, you may not stand for the Election Committee.
Charter Meetings: Our next meeting will be
July 20th, 2025 at 1:00pm in Everett
July 20th, 2025 at 5:30pm on Whidbey Island
July 22nd, 2025 at 10:00am in Everett
As always, our charter meetings are the best place to have your voice heard.

**Please note: August Charter meeting will be 8/10/2025 in Everett and Tacoma; and 8/12/2025 in Everett

Please text ATU1576

to 47400 for important updates!

If you have questions, please drop them in the Union Box, or email me directly, and I will strive to get you answers!