PRESS RELEASE - MARCH 18, 2023

SHOW SOME LOVE: MARCH 18TH IS TRANSIT WORKER APPRECIATION DAY!

WINNIPEG, March 18th, 2023 – Today is Transit Worker Appreciation Day! The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1505 encourages Winnipeggers and Brandonites to take a moment to appreciate their Transit Drivers & Workers today.

Transit Worker Appreciation Day has its roots in Seattle, WA, in 2009 and has been observed and celebrated by the ATU since 2014. It is a day to recognize and appreciate the tough job Transit Workers do to keep our cities moving. 

Transit Drivers drive through all kinds of weather and shifts, they are the eyes and ears of the city, are often first to help someone in need from providing directions, lowering the bus ramp, securing wheelchairs, or helping the elderly or blind across the street. Transit Plant and Equipment workers are top notch, keeping the equipment safe and everything else in between running smoothly so people can get where they need to go.

“It can be a challenging job at times, especially given the socioeconomic challenges we see today.” Said Derek Hanley, Executive Vice President of ATU 1505.

“Despite the challenges we love the public service we do.” Added Chris Scott, President of ATU 1505. “We are strong advocates to get Transit back to its former glory, and with the public’s help we think we can get there again.”

“It’s nice to feel appreciated, it motivates us to keep fighting. We hope our riding public can take a moment to show some appreciation to a Transit Worker today, a simple smile or thank you goes a long way.” Continued Hanley.

Some easy ways to thank a Transit Worker today:

  • Share your story on social media using the hashtag #transitworkerappreciation.

  • Submit a comment to 311.

  • Personally thank a Transit Worker, offer a smile, or some kind words.

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