The vote favoring the UTU came after months of meddling by the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association, which was found guilty by the AFL-CIO of violating the federation's constitution at Article 20. Article 20 prohibits raiding of other AFL-CIO member unions or otherwise seeking to persuade those members to abandon their organization.

The UTU had uncovered evidence that SMWIA organizers were encouraging those SEPTA employees to form an independent union. The UTU's alternate vice president-South, R.W. "Red" Dare, made the successful Article 20 case before an AFL-CIO arbitrator.

"The UTU owes a deep debt of gratitude to newly elected AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka for his support in the face of the SMWIA's aiding and abetting those seeking to turn these workers against the UTU," said UTU International President Mike Futhey. Trumka personally sent a letter to the Red Arrow employees in support of the UTU.

"I especially thank the courageous UTU members at Red Arrow who stood up for what is right and who recognized and aggressively refuted the misinformation that was being spread," Futhey said. "The UTU has long and successfully represented Red Arrow bus and trolley operators, providing support every time they sought assistance, and we will continue to be in their corner."

Futhey offered special thanks to UTU organizers, led by Mike Lewis and Billy Moye, who included Kimberly Bell, Alvy Hughes, Bonnie Morr, Craig Patch, Calvin Studivant, Sherman Volkman and Carlos Wallace. The UTU's director of organizing, John Nadalin, and Pennsylvania State Legislative Director Don Dunlevy also provided substantial assistance, Futhey said.

For two days just prior to the election, Futhey, UTU General Secretary & Treasurer Kim Thompson and Bus Department Vice President Rich Deiser were in Philadelphia to respond  to questions and concerns of the Red Arrow employees.

UTU organizers meeting in Washington, D.C., prior to presenting the UTU's successful Article 20 case to an AFL-CIO arbitrator. From left, Carlos Wallace, Billy Moye, Mike Lewis, Bonnie Morr and UTU International Alternate Vice President-South R.W. "Red" Dare.