CUB, AFT-MD support ATU Transit Rally

Citizens across the city, unhappy with the new Baltimore transportation program, the BaltimoreLink, joined with our AFL-CIO sisters and brothers the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) for a protest against Governor Hogan’s transportation plans for the city of Baltimore. David McClure, president of ATU Local 1300 led about 50 people who organized at War Memorial and marched to MTA offices on St. Paul St. McClure said that he wanted to send a message to Gov. Hogan that they (ATU 1300) will not be disrespected.  Speaking to the crowd he repeated the point that “when someone is suffering you render aid.” McClure said the Governor wasn’t listening to his union or to citizens who were having a hard time adjusting to the new transit system.

Del. Bilal Ali was also in attendance to support the protest of the transit system. He called the issue an equity issue saying “we need to change the definition of fair.” He called out fellow elected officials that they should be there too. One group that was there were members of the City Union of Baltimore (CUB). CUB president Antoinette Ryan-Johnson said she supports ATU Local 1300, and even that she used to work for MTA and “what Gov. Hogan’s plan does to MTA workers is crazy.”

The support didn’t only come from elected officials and union leaders. The Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) were present with banners and members alike. One member, Kate Wagner, said she was there to support because the transit issue is a part of the reason there is a horrible economic divide between the white L and black butterfly (a reference to the racially segregated neighborhood, resources and economics of Baltimore).” When asked how did the ATU rally comport with their politics, DSA member Donna Cartwright said, “DSA supports workers’ rights, so we’re here to support them [ATU Local 1300].”

The highlight of the rally was a citizen who made an impassioned plea to Gov. Hogan to abandon the BaltimoreLink project. Michelle Fulmore shook a gallon sized ziplock bag full of medicine and waved her cane as she lamented the changes in bus locations, routes, and schedules. She even had her elderly mother in attendance and let the audience know how difficult making it to meetings, doctor’s appointments, and work affairs are these days now that the Link has changed schedules. She also participated in the march with AFT-Maryland and ATU Local 1300 members.

For more photos from the event, visit our Facebook page
at facebook.com/AFTMaryland.

8/23/2017