A Lasting Legacy: Tracey Young, Union Leader and Fighter to the End

We are heartbroken to share the passing of Tracey Young, the groundbreaking first-ever female chair of the Manhattanville Bus Depot, whose commitment to TWU Local 100 and our members was unmatched. For two years, Tracey fought a courageous battle with cancer, yet she chose to stand beside us each morning, dedicating her time to our collective fight for better working conditions, fair scheduling, and unity in the workplace. Her passing comes after the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks on Sunday, 10/20, and 10/27.

"Tracey was family. She showed us what it meant to be tough, but more than that, she showed us what it means to care deeply," said Richie Davis, President of TWU Local 100. "Even when she was fighting her own battles, she was there for every one of us—early in the morning, ready to help, to listen, to lead. Her spirit, her strength, and her love for her union family will never leave us. We’ll honor her by carrying that same fire she brought with her every day."

After two years of courageously battling cancer, Tracey was released from the hospital on Friday night to spend her final days at home, where she was surrounded by love. She passed away peacefully on Sunday morning with her best friend and sister by her side. Tracey’s leadership was defined by her unbreakable dedication and grit, arriving at her post by 6:30 a.m. each day, even during her treatment. “I don’t want to sit home dwelling on being sick,” Tracey would say. “I want to fight, and part of fighting is coming to work.” For Tracey, showing up for others was a form of resistance against her illness, and she aimed to inspire others facing cancer, reminding everyone, "You can't give up. If you give up, this cancer will eat you up alive."

“Tracey’s leadership has set a bar for all of us,” said Donald Yates, VP of MaBSTOA. “Her presence at Manhattanville was a source of strength and unity, and she will always be remembered for the fire she brought into her role, for her courage, and for her dedication to our members.” Tracey’s cancer diagnosis came unexpectedly in 2021, following a car accident where doctors discovered her illness during routine screening. Despite undergoing major surgery and chemotherapy, she continued working, embodying the same commitment and determination that marked her entire career.

"Tracey was more than a leader; she was an inspiration to each one of us," said Sean Battaglia, Division 1 Chair of MaBSTOA. "She taught us what it meant to fight through the hardest times, and she did it with dedication and love for her fellow members."

"Tracey’s strength was unmatched," said Latonya Crisp. "She showed us all what it meant to face the toughest challenges without losing hope or compassion for others."

As we mourn Tracey’s loss, we honor her legacy as a leader, mentor, and true union warrior. Her resilience, compassion, and dedication to TWU Local 100 will live on in each of us as we carry forward the fight she waged with such courage.