Amalgamated Transit Union New Jersey State Council Endorses Brendan Gill for Congress

Montclair, NJ— Today, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, announced the endorsement of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) New Jersey State Council, which represents almost 10,000 public sector workers across New Jersey.

Public transit is the backbone of New Jersey’s economy and daily life, connecting workers to jobs, students to schools, seniors to essential services, and communities to opportunity. From bus operators and rail workers to mechanics, dispatchers, and maintenance crews, ATU members keep the region moving safely and reliably every day—often around the clock and in all conditions.

The ATU cited Gill’s strong labor roots, New Jersey community leadership, and consistent support for collective bargaining, workplace safety, and investments in public transportation and infrastructure.

“Brendan Gill understands that strong public transit systems depend on strong transit workers,” said Orlando Riley,  ATU New Jersey State Chairman. “At a time when transit workers face increasing demands, safety challenges, and attacks on their rights, we need leaders in Congress who will stand up for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the dignity of union jobs. Brendan Gill has shown he will be that kind of leader, and he knows firsthand how critical transit is for New Jersey families and communities.”

“I am deeply honored to earn the endorsement of the Amalgamated Transit Union and its members,” said Brendan Gill. “ I know how vital transit is to our neighborhoods and our economy. Transit workers keep our communities connected, ensure families can get to work and school, and make our state stronger. In Congress, I will fight for safe workplaces, good union jobs, and the right of workers to organize and be heard.”

The ATU endorsement further strengthens Gill’s growing coalition of labor support, which includes:

• IBEW Local 164
• Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET)
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)
• CWA Local 1031
• Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA)
• Hotel & Gaming Trades Council (HTC)
• Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Local 108 (RWDSU Local 108)
• IBEW Local 1158
• SMART Local 25
• AFGE Local 913
• The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA)
• The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW)
• The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPATE)

About the Amalgamated Transit Union

Founded in 1892, the Amalgamated Transit Union is the largest union representing public transit workers in North America, with more than 200,000 members across the United States and Canada. ATU members include bus and rail operators, mechanics, maintenance workers, dispatchers, and other frontline transit professionals who keep cities and regions moving every day. In New Jersey, ATU plays a critical role in supporting safe, reliable transit and good union jobs that strengthen local economies and connect communities across the state.

About Brendan Gill

Brendan Gill is an Essex County Commissioner and a longtime civic leader running for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. His campaign is focused on protecting fundamental rights, strengthening the middle class, investing in transportation and infrastructure, and defending democratic institutions.

For more information, visit www.gillfornj.com.