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Ryan Timlin will be the new president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 effective Jan. 1. Timlin, a resident of Minneapolis, has been a Metro Transit bus operator for 11 years. He faced no opponents in seeking the president’s office.
All other elected Local 1005 positions, however, drew multiple candidates.
In a first round of voting by members on Nov. 8, Dorothy Maki-Green was re-elected as vice president and Tommy Bellfield was re-elected as treasurer.
The top two vote-getters in the five-way contest for recording secretary, Mark Lawson and John McConnell, will face off in a run-off election Dec. 6. Voting will take place at all worksites from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 6 will also be the date for run-off elections for MJR Transportation Board and South Transportation Board.
Timlin, in an interview with Socialist Alternative, described his motivation for running for Local 1005 president.
“We need a fighting union that can win victories for our members and our communities,” he told the publication. “For the past three years, I’ve proven my dedication and willingness to defend our members as union rep for Nicollet Garage drivers and dispatchers. I’m now ready to bring that same level of commitment to the entire membership.
“But more than just defense, my presidency will also emphasize the need for going on the offensive around the contract and other issues. That’s why I launched and – along with the other candidates on this slate – have begun building the ATU 1005 Action Team as a way to educate and activate more rank-and-file members around our current contract fight, with the aim of laying a basis for future united actions.”
The election comes as the union prepares for a possible strike during February’s Super Bowl in Minneapolis. On Nov. 22, Local 1005 exchanged proposals with Metro Transit through a state mediator, the union said on its website.
“Negotiations concluded this afternoon with no progress toward an agreement,” the union said. “At this time, there are no further talks scheduled. The officers of Local 1005 remain committed to reaching a fair contract that meets the needs and security concerns of the membership.”