Local 100's Sonya Grey Calls out MTA for Foot Dragging on Contract

TWU Local 100’s Career and Salary unit publicly called out the Authority Wednesday for failing to negotiate a contract with any urgency.

Sonya Grey, “a proud member of TWU Local 100” and the Career & Salary unit, chastised MTA CEO Janno Lieber and upper management at the MTA board meeting for dragging their feet in negotiations that date back to 2019. The pandemic understandably put negotiations temporarily on hold, but the MTA has been offering up nothing but a series of weightless excuses as New York and the country have returned to work, school, and normal activities, she said.

Our Career & Salary workers include Administrative Assistants, Claim Examiners, Computer and Telecommunications Specialists, Staff Analysts, Systems Managers and Transportation Planners.

“We are the backbone, behind the scenes, working to keep this city moving,” Grey told the MTA board. “We are the feet that are paddling feverishly in the water as the MTA tries to regain its footing in this economy. Please acknowledge our efforts and our value and finalize our contract.”

Denise Wellington, a Local 100 Union Representative and a Computer Associate, was going to testify in person but was sidelined by COVID-19. Wellington submitted written comments.

“Why are you denying us maternity and paternity leave?” Wellington said. “We must be the only group left whom you deemed unworthy of such a benefit. Why do you seem to believe we are not worthy of a wage increase when everywhere you turn inflation is hitting us hard in our wallets?”

In closing, Wellington said: “It is time for the Authority to do right by its employees, step up and step in and help to resolve our contract and show everyone that you care about this group of people.”
The MTA board sets Authority policy and priorities. There Board consists of representatives appointed by the mayor, governor, and county executives. Lieber is Chairman of the Board.

You can watch Grey's testimony here: