Dear ATU delegates and friends,

It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the 2024 ATU Canada Conference in the beautiful and vibrant city of Hamilton, Ontario. We acknowledge that the City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.

Our conference theme this year is “Together We Rise” and quite appropriate as the ATU Flag has risen to new heights in Canada from where we were a few years ago. Across the country, the ATU has become a recognizable force among riders, workers, allies, labour affiliates, and government agencies from coast to coast.

We have come together through difficult challenging obstacles demonstrating the resilience and commitment of a strong united ATU while keeping the country moving. “Together We Rise” has also been predominant in the ATU as we continue to explore, organize, and welcome new members into our ATU family with great success. Our voices and actions continue to raise our flag through tough negotiations, job actions, and political awareness of the ATU brand. This conference is a great opportunity to share experiences, learn from each other, and share best practices as we continue to advance the cause of transit workers.

Our success is also embedded in the long rich history of the ATU – and as we gather this week, I would like to acknowledge ATU Local 107 and congratulate them on their 125th Anniversary as transit professionals.

Once again, welcome to the ATU Canada Conference. Together we fight…Together we win. TOGETHER WE RISE.

In Solidarity,

John Di Nino
ATU Canada President