Decades into retirement, their union keeps them in touch with former coworkers.
Reconnecting over barbeque chicken and ribs, about 150 retired transit workers gathered in a North Portland park June 25 for Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757’s annual retiree picnic — continuing a camaraderie that once ran on wheels.
“We used to see each other at work constantly. This gives us an opportunity to get together, just see each other,” ATU Local 757 Retiree Chapter President John Jamison told the Labor Press. Jamison said the Local 757 Retiree Chapter has almost 1,300 members, including around 300 active members who attend meetings or events like the summer picnic and winter holiday dinner.
“Unfortunately as we get older, we get a little more isolated. We don’t get out as much,” Jamison said. “This encourages people to get out.”
Lilian Adams retired in 2020 and attended the picnic for the first time this year, happy to see her old coworkers. Sitting with Adams, Linda Jauron-Mills joked that she showed up because as secretary-treasurer of the retiree chapter she had no choice.
Todd Watson and Dennis Newcomer took two buses to get to the event.
“We just love it. We love the social (aspect), because people don’t socialize that much anymore,” Watson said.
Attendees ate lunch, participated in a drawing for $100 Fred Meyer gift cards, and caught rides on golf carts if they parked far from the picnic area.
SEE MORE IMAGES FROM THE PICNIC HERE.
