LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Lawrence J. Hanley upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by the Amalgamated Transit
Union, Local 726, on February 27, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the efforts of those individuals who distinguish themselves in
service to the cause of working men and women in the State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Lawrence J. Hanley upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 726, celebrated at
their 100th Anniversary on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at the Hilton
Garden Inn, Staten Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, As International President of the Amalgamated Transit Union
(ATU), Lawrence J. Hanley represents the men and women who help move the
United States and Canada; he was elected to his present position on
September 30, 2010, at ATU's 56th International Convention in Orlando,
Florida; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his appointment as International President, Lawrence
J. Hanley was selected to the position of President of Local 726 in
January of 1987, the youngest individual to take office in his Local's
history; he was re-elected to five consecutive terms, serving until
2002; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure, Lawrence J. Hanley was faced with the
threat of complete privatization of express bus work; this monumental
crisis led to devising creative forms of protest; and
WHEREAS, Other milestones during Lawrence J. Hanley's presidency
included challenging the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York City
through internal member organization and by organizing the riders of
buses; the Local worked every day in the community to convince both
members and passengers that their interests were one and the same; and
WHEREAS, Under Lawrence J. Hanley's luminous leadership, the express
bus fare was reduced by a dollar, there was a 125% increase in rider-
ship, and 500 more jobs were added in the Local; the Local's investment
of funds on the campaign generated higher ATU salaries and an increase
in capital spending on transit; and
WHEREAS, An ATU Local 726 employee for 23 years, Lawrence J. Hanley
previously served as a member of the Transport Workers Union (TWU); he
started by driving a bus at the age of 21 and helped organize efforts to
get police protection on buses in New York City; and
WHEREAS, In November of 1979, Lawrence J. Hanley transferred to Staten
Island and became a member of the ATU Local 726; by April 1980, he was
involved in his first strike and walked picket lines every day and night
for 11 days; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence J. Hanley was elected Secretary/Treasurer of the
Local in 1984; shortly after his election, a strike broke out in Austin,
Minnesota, at the George Hormel Company, and he joined the New York
group which traveled there; and
WHEREAS, Many thousands of union members from across America traveled
to Austin, Minnesota, where Lawrence J. Hanley also walked the line in
support of the striking workers; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence J. Hanley served as Secretary/Treasurer until Janu-
ary of 1987; in 2002, he was asked by International President Jim LaSala
to join the staff of the International ATU as Vice President serving the
largest number of locals; and

WHEREAS, As difficult as it was to leave Local 726, Lawrence J. Hanley
took the job and immediately went to work bargaining contracts, often
seven days a week throughout the East Coast; and
WHEREAS, In this increasingly responsible position, Lawrence J. Hanley
negotiated the national Greyhound contract for Local 1700 which resulted
in his working with ATU members in many states; he served in this capac-
ity until his election as International President in September of 2010;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished career, Lawrence J. Hanley
served the ATU Local 726 with intelligence and caring dedication,
continuously striving to effectively fulfill the duties of his position;
and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as President, Lawrence J. Hanley served with
loyalty, honor and distinction; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure, Lawrence J. Hanley earned the admiration,
esteem and affection of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to the
success and progress of society in the course of their life's work; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Lawrence J. Hanley, and to wish him
continued success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Lawrence J. Hanley upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 726, on
February 27, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lawrence J. Hanley.