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After 31 years, Pitkin Barn Chair Adelina Carson-Leath Retires

SEPTEMBER 12 -- For 31 years, Adelina “Lena” Carson-Leath called transit her home.

First Carson-Leath performed the grunt work of terminal cleaning, handling what’s left on the trains after they reach the last stop, then she got under the trains — working with equipment that was already old when she was born and needed to be pampered. She rose from CTA to Car Inspector when women in that title comprised less than one percent of the CED workforce. Understanding how unions level the playing field and contribute to positive change, she ran for the TWU Local 100 Executive Board and won, and then was voted chair of Pitkin Barn by her co-workers, holding that position for 13 years.

On her birthday, August 1, she retired at 55 with the distinction of having been a trailblazer in the transit system, hailed by co-workers for her decades of service.

During a celebration for her birthday and retirement, Carson-Leath was presented with a silver union jacket personalized with her name by Syed Husain, the new Pitkin Barn Chair. Also on hand was Local 100 Recording Secretary Shirley Martin, another trailblazer from Car Equipment, and a former VP. Longtime CED activist and officer Joe Campbell, who now works as an educator in the Union Hall, congratulated her on her transit and union career. Division Chair Roberto Ruiz and former VP Rodney Glenn were also present.

Coming to Transit in her 20s, Carson-Leath was comfortable around machines and in a sterotypically male world.

“At a young age I worked at my uncle’s maintenance shop. He taught me and my three brothers how to repair cars and other machines," she remembered.

Union Mourns Former Elections Director James Mitchell, 75

SEPTEMBER 10 -- TWU Local 100 members are mourning the passing of former head of the Elections Committee and IT Director James Mitchell. A Track Worker by trade, Brother Mitchell was brought onto union staff by former President Roger Toussaint in 2001. Along with EEM Eladio Diaz, he ran the Union's IT Department and then became head of the Elections Committee.

He joined NYC Transit in 1984 and retired in 2011. He passed away on August 28 in North Carolina and a memorial service will be held this coming Saturday, September 13, at the Steven L. Lyons Funeral Home at 1515 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh at 11 AM.

Mitchell was remembered by many co-workers as a good union man who contributed greatly to Local 100. Track Chair Carlos Albert said he was a good worker and sends his condolences to the family. Brother Mitchell leaves to mourn him his children, Ife Mitchell-Parks, Dr. N'Jeri Mitchell (Malcolm) and Ayinde Mitchell (Nicole), as well as a host of grandchildren, cousins, other relatives and friends.

TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello Featured in The New York Carib News

President John V. Chiarello is being recognized for his remarkable journey in labor leadership in a feature story published by The New York Carib News.

The article, titled “John Chiarello’s Journey to Union Leadership – A Fighter,” highlights his path from a provisional car inspector in 2001 to becoming the president of New York City’s largest transit union.

The piece highlights President Chiarello’s decades of dedication to transit workers, his relentless advocacy for fairness and safety, and his unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for Local 100 members and their families. His story reflects not only his personal determination but also the strength of the union he leads.

You can read the full article here

Backpack Drive Helps 40 Needy TWU Families

SEPTEMBER 2 – Just because you work and have a union job doesn’t mean life is without strife and struggles, says 20-year veteran CTA from Car Equipment Aimie Thomas. “Times are tough, and that’s exactly why we stand together.”

As summer drew to a close this year, Sister Thomas wanted to give back directly to our Union families with K-6 kids who are facing hardship. Working with Member Services, Thomas identified and reached out to families who are having difficulties. She purchased backpacks and filled them up with school supplies including folders, binders, glue sticks, pens and pencils, notebooks and crayons.

TWU Local 100 at the West Indian Day Parade

SEPTEMBER 1 -- TWU Local 100 showed up and showed out at this year’s West Indian Day Parade on Labor Day, repping our union and celebrating Caribbean pride in a big way.

Members came out in droves, waving their flags high and honoring the rich culture that helps make this city what it is. President John Chiarello said it best: “It’s a beautiful day to march side by side with our West Indian sisters and brothers who contribute so much to the culture of this city and help keep it moving.”

A Labor Day Message from the President

To all members of Local 100:

Monday is the one day a year dedicated to labor and workers, but I want you to know what you do is important 365 days a year.

I see you and I appreciate you.

Whether you will spend the holiday working overtime, relaxing with friends and family or joining us at the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn, I salute each and every one of you for the hard work you do day in and day out to move New York.

Happy Labor Day.

In gratitude,

John V. Chiarello

TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello Makes Labor Power 100 List

AUGUST 27—TWU Local 100 congratulates President John V. Chiarello for his inclusion in City & State’s 2025 Labor Power 100.

President Chiarello’s profile mentions his success in securing a commitment from the MTA to hire 300 more maintenance workers, his partnership with the NYPD’s Benevolent Association to increase transit safety and his demands for timely workers compensation payments.

The list, which consists of “New York’s most influential union chiefs and worker advocates”, also includes International President John Samuelsen and TWU Local 101 President Constance Bradley.