LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Amal-
gamated Transit Union, Local 726 on February 27, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those note-
worthy organizations within the State of New York whose focus and intent
have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communi-
ties; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 726,
which feted its 100th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, February 27,
2016, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Staten Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, Chartered on August 11, 1916, the Amalgamated Transit Union
(ATU),Local 726, was organized by C. Howard Severs, a Conductor and
President of Local 540 in Trenton, New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Contrary to the events of the time, when transit workers in
other boroughs of New York City had just concluded a highly contentious
strike, ATU Local 726 appeared to be getting along and indications were
that the men and the Company would work in harmony in the future; and
WHEREAS, In 1916, the nonunion Staten Island street car workers went
on strike with ATU's organized New York transit workers; the transit
workers' goal was organization, and they achieved their goal with the
Richmond Light and Rail Company; and
WHEREAS, During that same year, the New York City Locals signed an
agreement with the New York Railways Company, later discovering that the
New York Railways Company was forcing its workers to sign a "master and
servant" agreement; and
WHEREAS, Since members of the newly organized Local 726 worked for the
Richmond Light and Rail Company, not the New York Railways Company, they
continued working; today, under the luminous direction of President,
Daniel Cassella, they are still working 100 years later; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body commends
the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 726, for its excellence and for its
commitment and contributions to the community it has so ably served for
the past 100 years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Amalgamated Transit Union,
Local 726, fully confident that it will continue to positively impact
the community it serves for many years to come; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Daniel Cassella, President, Amalgamated Transit Union, Local
726, Staten Island, New York.