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President Chiarello addresses the MTA Board

Chiarello Blasts Lieber at MTA Board Meeting

JULY 30 — TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello brought the fire to MTA CEO Janno Lieber at the MTA Board Meeting Wednesday over missing and delayed workers compensation payments for over 3,500 transit workers.

“I represent union members who have been physically injured, assaulted, emotionally scarred, and cannot work… these members are suffering [from] the burden of missed workers compensation payments. The last thing anyone should worry about as they try to heal is whether they can pay the light bill, the rent, or put food on the table,” said President Chiarello In his first appearance at the board meeting as TWU Local 100 President.

TWU Local 100 Stands with PBA After Tragic Midtown Shooting

TWU Local 100 stands with President Patrick Hendry and the PBA after the tragic loss of Officer Didarul Islam in yesterday’s horrific shooting in midtown.

Our heartfelt condolences to the PBA and the officer’s family.

Our thoughts are also with the loved ones of the other victims targeted.

We recognize the dangerous job the men and women of the NYPD do every day to protect this city.

Sedgwick Faulted as MTA Board Members Question Crichlow

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JULY 28 – After third-party payment processor Sedgwick bungled workers compensation claims, resulting in potentially thousands of TWU Local 100 members receiving no payments or only partial payments this month, TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello demanded an explanation. So, today, did MTA Board Members.

The failure was elevated to the level of the MTA Board as members questioned NYCT President Demetrius Crichlow on the issue in a public meeting Monday. Three board members registered their displeasure with Sedgwick Claims Management, the contractor chosen by the MTA to oversee workers compemsation claims at a cost to taxpayers of over $51 million for three years.

Update: President Chiarello Continues to Hold the MTA’s Feet to the Fire on Workers Compensation Debacle as Payments Resume

JULY 26—President John V. Chiarello is continuing to press for infomation and demand action from the MTA on their gross mishandling of workers compensation payments after “a computer glitch” was blamed for the delay in checks being received by our most vulnerable members.

In a letter sent Friday to President Chiarello from MTA New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, the MTA boss wrote that the agency was “able to process approximately 600 differential payments this week and continue the verification process for the next pay cycle on Thursday, July 31”.

President Chiarello and International President Samuelsen tour Quill Depot

Local 100 Hosts AFL-CIO Transportation Trades’ Visit to Quill Depot

JULY 25 – TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello, alongside TWU International President John Samuelsen, hosted the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO for a tour of New York City Transit's largest Manhattan bus depot.

Also taking part in the tour was U.S. Congressman Jerry Nadler, representing Manhattan’s 12th Congressional District. As the most senior Northeastern member on the House Transportation Committee, he is considered a key expert and leading voice on transportation issues.

Anthony Whitfield, center, stands with the Top Four officers shortly after he was sworn in. Behind him are other members of the Executive Board

Anthony Whitfield Sworn in to Executive Board

JULY 25 -- Anthony Whitfield, a Bus Operator out of Flatbush Depot with 25 years of service to New York City Transit, was sworn in today to the Local 100 Executive Board by President John Chiarello. Brother Whitfield, 50, who has served as Recording Secretary and Vice Chair of the Depot, stood for election earlier this year to replace Alexander Kemp on the Executive Board. Brother Kemp was elevated to Administrative Vice Preisdent.

Brother Whitfield is a second generation transit worker. His father drove out of the Fresh Pond depot. His appointment is effective immediately.

TWU Wants Tax Deduction for All Workers

JULY 24 -- Millions of hourly workers are ineligible for the new overtime tax deduction – a serious flaw Congress needs to fix. That’s the message the Transport Workers Union of America is sending to Congressional leaders, urging them to draft corrective legislation so all hourly workers can take advantage of the benefit: up to $6,000 in savings per year.

“Providing tax relief to blue-collar workers is a great idea,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “They deserve it much more than greedy corporate giants and hedge-fund vultures who never get their hands dirty or have to lift anything heavier than a cocktail. All blue-collar workers, however, must be deemed eligible.”

Second Arrest in Station Agent Assault at New Lots

JULY 24 -- Lashea Aldridge, 25, has been arrested in the June 28th assault on Station Agent Marshalee Reid at the New Lots Avenue on the 3 train. She was arraigned today in Brooklyn Supreme Court.

Aldridge and an accomplice, Ayizhae Thomas, are accused of jumping the turnstile and illegally entering via the gate while Station Agent Reid was helping another customer. When Reid confronted them the duo reportedly set upon her, throwing her to the ground and hitting her with a set of keys, leaving her with facial lacerations and swelling to her hand.

Station Department VP Robert Kelley said, "I'm very happy that they arrested Lashea Aldridge, and she is still locked up today."

Kelley and the Union are calling on the courts to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

V & D Section Mourns Dennis Serebrenik, 50

JULY 23 – Maintenance of Way members in the Ventilation and Drainage section are mourning the death of V&D Maintainer Dennis Serebrenik, who perished in an automobile accident yesterday, July 22, while in his native Russia. Brother Serebrenik had seven years with New York City Transit. He worked at the Broadway Lafayette shop.

V&D Section Chair Alfonso Simmons said: “Dennis wasn’t just a coworker. He was the kind of person who made the workplace feel like a second home. His warmth, his humor, and the way he treated everyone with kindness and respect made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. He had a way of lifting people up without even trying, simply by being himself-- genuine, humble, and full of heart.”

At the Union training at Cornell were (l-r) Celeste Kirkland, Sha Grant, Harriette Goodridge-Seymour, Nivea Luke, Sabrina Rosado, Beverly Bolden, Quardesia Farmer, Joan Bygrave, Shameia Colter, Lillian Richardson, Christine Hough, Denise Long, and Surena Shoemo

Union Women Sharpen Skills at Cornell

JULY 21 -- In early July, 13 TWU Local 100 women took part in a week-long program at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Offered since 1975, these residential, college-based programs unite women workers, union leaders, and staff to strengthen labor knowledge and leadership skills. It was an opportunity for our Union Sisters to get an accelerated course in becoming even more effective than they already are.

Safety Director Celeste Kirkland said: “The women were put to the test; it’s a leadership class combined with life skills and how to fight for our rights. It’s about who you will become in the movement; what you will bring back to your organization.”