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MTA Takes Credit for Money-Saving Idea from the TWU

Today's (November 15) AM New York carries a front-page story on "5 Cool Ideas to Improve Subways." Chief among those is an "idea" to put stores into Subway arcades where they can generate rent for NYCT. This of course was a centerpiece of TWU Local 100's "MTA Money Thrown Away" campaign two years ago -- that the MTA should fully utilize those underground spaces not just for retail tenants but also for office space for the Authority itself. The MTA ignored the campaign, and defends the money pit of 2 Broadway (lifetime lease cost: $2.3 billion) as a sound deal for taxpayers. Think of what it could save if it instead used the vast underground spaces, complete with HVAC and fiber optic lines, as its headquarters! Check out the campaign's website here.

TWU Veterans Are Recognized for Service; Advance Legislative Campaign

Seventy-five TWU Local 100 veterans, from all branches of the U.S. military, were recognized for their service to our country at Local 100's annual Veterans Appreciation Day at the new Union Hall on November 14. Under the chairmanship of RTO Vice President Kevin Harrington, who also served as MC, the service veterans were treated to a hot dinner, speeches from two of our most committed political allies, and videos honoring our military and explaining the origins of Veterans Day as a memorial to World War I. Assemblyman Peter Abbate and State Senator Joe Addabbo both spoke.

Accepting Award for the TWU, Sec-Treas Phillips Recounts Union's Proud Fight Against Discrimination

Joining Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, City Council Members, and leaders in business, religious service, and leadership, TWU Local 100 Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips invoked the union's history as a fighting force for civil rights at the Brooklyn NAACP's Freedom Awards dinner on November 12th. Accepting the Leadership in Commerce and Industry Award on behalf of the union, Phillips noted that for generations of African-Americans and immigrants, jobs in transit have provided a doorway to opportunity. We have used our power to keep that door open and to fight for more work for the young people in our communities. The event was held at Steiner Studios on the grounds of the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Angel, center with Sonia Ivany. At her right is TWU International VP Curtis Tate; at Angel's left is Local 100 VP of MOW, Tony Utano. Next to Tony is Local 100 Staffer Jesse Mendoza.

Admin Vice President Angel Giboyeaux Honored at Somos Conference

TWU Local 100 Administrative Vice President Angel Giboyeaux received an award for "outstanding commitment and contribution to the labor movement and the community," at the annual Somos El Futuro conference in Puerto Rico on November 9th. Presenting the award to Angel was New York City labor activist Sonia Ivany, who has fought many battles alongside TWU Local 100. Congratulations, Angel!

In Photos: Local 100 Women's Committee "Making Strides" Across Five Boroughs

This Fall, the TWU Local 100 Womens Committee organized walks to prevent breast cancer in each of the five boroughs. There’s still time to donate to the cause – visit the website and follow the directions to donate to the borough site of your choice!

Lockbox Bill on Governor's Desk; 200 Groups Ask Signature

The MTA transit funds lockbox bill, S. 3837 (Golden) A. 5084 (Brennan) has been sent to Governor Cuomo's desk, triggering a ten-day period during which the Governor must consider it. If he doesn't veto, it automatically becomes law. The bill would mandate that an "impact statement" be released upon any diversion of transit funds for other purposes. This requirement would do a lot to stop the secret transfer of supposedly dedicated transit funds that has been a continuing feature of state government, and thus bolster the MTA's budget. Local 100 President John Samuelsen, is one of the signatories of a letter sent to the Governor yesterday by 200 groups, urging him to sign the bill. The letter says in part: ""Raiding dedicated transit funds is poor policy, and a breach of trust with the public who rightly believe that transit funds should go to improving transit." Read the letter here. Read the press release here.

Phillips Honored in Brooklyn

TWU Local 100 Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips received the Distinguished Labor Leader Award at Brooklyn Assemblyman Nick Perry's annual awards event on Friday, November 1. Nick Perry has been a strong supporter of Local 100's legislative agenda in Albany. Other prominent labor and community leaders were also honored. The Assemblyman, at right, holds the plaque with Earl. The co-chairs of the event were former NYC Mayor David Dinkins, former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson, and current New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Congratulations, Earl!

In Photos: October 29 - Stood Up to Sandy, Standing Up for a Fair Contract

The one-year anniversary of Sandy rally exceeded all expectations, and showed a union ready and willing to fight for a contract after 20 months of MTA intransigence. Some 5,500 transit workers (NYPD estimate) took over the streets near 2 Broadway. Their ranks were swelled by a march of about a thousand Bus Operators and Mechanics from TA Surface, who stepped off near City Hall. Police let marchers proceed, halting traffic on Broadway. One officer near the rally stage said, “I hope you get your raise. You deserve it.” The photos show an energized and capable membership who believe the MTA has run out of excuses.

Massive Rally Speaks Truth to Power as Transit Workers Call for Raises

Four to six thousand transit workers, angry about the MTA’s intransigence in Contract negotiations, staged a massive rally outside of 2 Broadway that spilled into the adjacent streets and shut down Broadway for periods from City Hall on down to the financial district.

TWU Local 100 members, joined by union brothers and sisters from a half dozen other TWU Locals as well as local labor leaders and politicians, heard TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen call on the MTA to drop its “ridiculous” demands for three years of zero wage increases.

Referring to the chorus of praises showered on transit workers at the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, he said: “While most of the City was still in a state of confusion, we had the situation under control. The editorial writers called your effort ‘miraculous.’ It was miraculous. You are miraculous.”

But much of Samuelsen’s speech contained harsh words for MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast and Governor Cuomo, especially in light of new reports showing the MTA with an unexpected cash windfall of the $1.9 billion over the next four years. “Mr. Prendergast, Governor Cuomo, you are out of excuses,” blared Samuelsen to the cheering crowd of Local 100 members. “Our patience is wearing thin. It is time to get this contract behind us.”

More video and photos from the rally will be uploaded shortly.

Major Owens, Congressional Champion of Labor and Justice, Gone at 77

TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen has sent a letter of condolence to the family of former Brooklyn Congressman Major Owens. The letter states:

"On behalf of 39,000 transport workers, I would like to express our grief at the loss of a great political leader and champion of working people.

"Through his long Congressional career, Major Owens maintained a 100% pro-labor voting record. He was certainly 100% with us: pro-labor, pro-mass transit, pro-community, a strong voice for education and an implacable foe of racism.

"His keen understanding of the fight against exclusion – including that of working people, African-Americans, and women -- informed his role as a key architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For this he will long be remembered, not only by us New Yorkers, but by millions nationwide.

"Thank you for sharing him with us."