The good works continue as James Pace, Pastor of the Joy Temple Church of God in Christ in Yonkers and a TWU Liberty Lines driver for more than 35, years collects toys for needy children. With Union Chair for Liberty Lines Carlos Bernabel.
A research and advocacy organization with a national reach has granted a public service award to TWU Local 100 for its representation of transit workers during the pandemic. TransitCenter Executive Director David Bragdon presented the “Special Award for Outstanding Public Service and Contributions to Worker Safety” in a virtual event.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority, The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District and the leader of the Cincinnati Better Bus Coalition also were honored for their efforts during the global health crisis that has been devastating: more than 18 million Americans have been infected and approximately 310,000 have died, including more than 90 Local 100 members.
TWU Local 100’s efforts have included: fighting for workers’ right to wear masks and for the MTA to provide PPE; successfully advocating for rear-door boarding of buses and improved partitions; aggressive cleaning and disinfecting protocols; face shields for conductors, and an early-detection program with Covid testing at bus and subway work locations.
“For their fight for worker protections and their commitment to keeping NYC and essential workers moving, TWU Local 100 wins the Frequency for Outstanding Public Service and Contributions to Worker Safety,” the TransitCenter said in the award announcement. “During the early days of the pandemic, as New Yorkers were being urged to stay home if we could, transit workers continued to keep NYC and the essential workers we all depend on moving. Transit workers were part of our public health response, keeping hospital workers, grocery store workers, government employees, and other essential workers moving, all while needing stronger protections for their own safety.”
The TransitCenter continued: “During this time, Local 100 was dealing with the risks of operating during the outbreak, fighting for worker protections like PPE and stronger distancing measures, expanded sick leave and quarantine policies, and the recognition that transit workers deserved. TWU Local 100 was a leader in this fight, securing protections and raising awareness of worker needs that benefited transit workers nationally.”
MaBSTOA Vice President and Local Chief of Staff Richard Davis accepted the award on behalf of President Utano, Local 100 officers and members. “Transit workers have always been essential to the day-to-day life of New Yorkers,” Davis said. “We get New Yorkers to their jobs, schools, churches, doctor’s appointments and countless other destinations. But throughout this crisis, transit workers have been more than essential. They have been critical to the city’s very survival. When this pandemic hit, New Yorkers were counting on transit workers being there for them. Transit workers delivered. They stepped up like heroes.”
DECEMBER 21 -- The MTA today announced that a mural and plaque honoring slain Train Operator Garrett Goble will be placed at the Flatbush Ave. station, and TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano announced the union will establish a college scholarship in Goble’s name.
In the still photo are: President Tony Utano (Center) outside the Flatbush Avenue subway station with Garrett Goble’s wife, Delilah; his mother Vicki; Local 100 VPs Loegel, Kelley, Davis, and Patafio; Administrative VP Lynwood Whichard; NYC Transit President Sarah Feinberg, NYPD Transit Police Chief Kathleen O’Reilly and the detectives who arrested the suspect accused of setting the fatal fire in Goble’s train in March.
Utano and the Local 100 officers also gave Delilah presents for the two Goble boys.
The Covid-19 relief package that Congressional leaders have agreed upon includes more than $4 billion for the MTA, and additional billions for transit agencies across the country. This is a big win for TWU of America, TWU Local 100 and all transit workers. We will keep fighting for funding to protect our jobs.
This is great news. Every transit worker in the city wants justice for Garrett Goble and his family, and this arrest is a huge first step.
Garrett was a hero, and he was stolen from us. He was out there serving the public during a health crisis. He helped riders evacuate his train after the fire was set. This was a horrific, horrific crime, and Garrett deserves justice. His family deserves justice.
TWU Local 100 wants to thank the NYPD for not giving up. Thank you to the NYPD and all of the police officers and detectives who worked to make this arrest.
The membership at Local 100’s largest School Bus property, Yonkers-based Mile Square, has overwhelmingly ratified a new gain filled three-year contract. The vote was 352 in favor, 4 against, and one voided ballot. The agreement brings an overall 9.5 percent wage increase to the Drivers and Monitors with 3 percent in the first year, 3 percent in the second year and 3.5 percent in the final year.
Local 100 School Bus Division Chair Gus Moghrabi said that the union succeeded in securing an additional two and a half hours guaranteed pay per week for all covered members. “This was a vital gain for the members and one of our pre-contract goals,” said Moghrabi. “We also held the line against give-backs.” Other gains included an additional $5000 in life insurance and safety and attendance bonuses.
Moghrabi thanked Local 100 President Tony Utano and Vice President Peter Rosconi for their help and support during the process.
Local 100 President Tony Utano added: “I want to commend the committee, including our Division Chair, Gus Moghrabi, and Section Chair Viviana Guzman, for their leadership and professionalism in bringing this contract home. This kind of package, which was negotiated in the middle of the pandemic, is a testament to the kind of representation we have in the school bus division. This was a job well done by all involved, and the membership agreed with their impressive ratification vote.”
DECEMBER 11 -- Between late October and early this month, approximately 8,000 on-site Covid tests have been administered to MTA employees across all agencies, including the commuter railroads. Another 400 tests have been administered at Northwell Urgent Care centers. All combined, 102 MTA workers tested positive, including 77 at NYC Transit locations. That’s a positivity rate of 1.2%, which is well below the statewide average of 5.44 percent.
Local 100 President Tony Utano said that the numbers reflect well on the union's efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus in the workplace, as well as the membership's adherence to social distancing efforts and mask usage. "We can never let our guard down for one second with this virus, but we should all be pleased that, at the moment at least, we're going in the right direction."
The Local 100 leadership, which urged the MTA to start this early detection screening program, strongly encourages everyone to take full advantage. “Early detection is our best defense until the vaccine is available,” added President Utano. “Wear your masks, keep your distance as much as you can, and get tested. Help protect yourself, and our union brothers and sisters. We are in this fight together.”
Nearly 80 NYC Transit workers who had the virus - but didn’t know it - were identified. By getting tested, these workers were able to get treatment and quarantine before they even experienced symptoms like fever and fatigue. That helped prevent the virus from spreading at work, home, and in the community. There is no limit on the number of times a Local 100 member can be tested. Regular testing is permitted.
The schedule of locations and dates can be found on the MTA portal, the union website twulocal100.org and the union Facebook page.
TWU International and TWU Local 100 fighting in tandem for funding to support transit jobs and operations. Op-Ed by International President John Samuelsen and NY Assemblyman Robert Carroll in the Daily News. Read below.
The tax that can save the MTA: A federal bailout is necessary but insufficient
