Wright, Walker at Union Hall as Clergy Breakfast Showcases TWU's Commitment to Our Community

Assemblyman Keith Wright (D-Harlem)
Assemblyman Keith Wright (D-Harlem)

APRIL 14 -- TWU Local 100's second annual Faith-Based Breakfast brought out leading religious leaders to the Union Hall to share strategies and insights for community empowerment. Assemblymembers Keith Wright (D-Harlem) and Latrice Walker (D-Brownsville/East NY) welcomed faith leaders along with TWU Local 100's top leadership, including President Samuelsen, Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips, and Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp-Sauray. The morning was highlighted by the presence of the Rev. Karim Camara, who Governor Cuomo recently appointed to head up his $50 million Faith Based Community Development Office in Albany.

President Samuelsen discussed the Union's campaign against the criminalization of Bus Operators under the new "Vision Zero" law which has seen union members arrested at accident scenes even when not operating recklessly. He also touched on the Union's longstanding ambition to find a way, partnering with local churches and other religious institutions, to guide youth into good jobs in transit.

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Pastor Gilford Monrose, representing the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, suggested an ongoing "round table" where TWU Local 100 and religious leaders could meet to hammer out details of the plan. The idea was enthusiastically embraced by the TWU. TWU's Charles Jenkins, the Director of the joint union/management Training and Upgrading Fund, is also involved in planning the courses which will be offered within an apprenticeship program framework.

Assemblyman Keith Wright invoked the proud fighting history of the TWU, recalling the days when, as an advocate for the union in an MTA management position, he took the Union's side. Assemblywoman Latrice Walker gave an impassioned defense of Bus Operators and urged all present to call their representatives, both in the City Council and the State House to amend the law to end the arrests of Bus Operators where recklessness is not demonstrated. The more than 40 clergy in attendance were appreciative of the opportunity to learn more about the Union and connect with the TWU leadership.