Our union

One local.
A shared voice.

Representing the transit workers who keep Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti moving.

A strong voice at work. A union that stands with you, through the workday and what comes next.

Local 171 members together, pictured on the original local website — Local 171 members, from the union’s own archive.

Who we are

Built by the people
who do the work.

We represent operators, maintenance workers, customer service agents, and other transit workers at TheRide. Our work connects our community. Our union brings us together.

250+

employees represented
at TheRide

1981

Local 171 chartered
November 17, 1981

Our history

A stronger union.
A stronger community.

Our roots are in the shared experience of Ann Arbor transit workers: organizing, taking part, and speaking with a collective voice.

These are a few milestones in a story that members continue to write.

Local 171 President Delisa Brown and a motorcoach operator shake hands during 2026 contract voting — 2026 contract voting. Photograph: TWU International.

1975

The Transport Employees Union forms at AATA.

1980

Members take part in a six-week strike.

September 1981

Members vote to affiliate with the Transport Workers Union.

November 17, 1981

Local 171 receives its TWU charter.

2026

Members ratify a new contract with wage increases and improved benefits.

History from the full Local 171 union profile and TWU’s 2026 contract announcement.

Our purpose

A stronger voice,
together.

We stand for a workplace where people are heard, treated fairly, and able to do their work safely.

That starts with a union members can participate in and turn to for support.

Representation
A collective voice at work, supported by elected representatives and union resources.
Member participation
Our union is strongest when members are informed, involved, and heard.
Safety and respect
A continuing commitment to safer workplaces, fair treatment, and respect on the job.

How your local works